To Build - Volume 10 . Issue 1 - March -July 2020

To Build Handbook

Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

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volume 10 issue 1 MARCH – JUNE 2020

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Samsung Wind-Free™ Cassette

Windy outside.

Wind-free inside.

The Leonardo is the tallest building in Africa, with ultra-luxurious fittings and finishes. So it was only natural that Samsung’s ultra-efficient DVM system was chosen to provide its climate control. Utilising, amongst other indoor units, Samsung’s stylish Wind-Free Cassettes. Not only do they harmonise perfectly with the Leonardo’s sophisticated feel of luxury, they also provide climate control without draughts. So while Africa’s tallest building might occasionally be buffeted by wind outside, inside the environment always remains…..perfectly wind free.

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ed’s letter

Gareth Griffiths

It is encouraging to see South Africa’s built environment economy standing on its feet and, although a little punch drunk, taking action to address the many problems sent our way by a troubled economy.

Yes, there have been serious casualties in the construction sector especially, but it seems that with one voice we are joining with other economic sectors and with concerned citizens and NGOs in saying ‘enough is enough’ to our government and its state-owned entities.

It seems in some cases that action is being backed by changes in policy.

Recent moves by the Eskom board and the appointment of a seasoned business leader who brings no legacy of involvement in the energy sector should be seen as a good thing. A fresh pair of eyes and a fresh mind on a very serious subject. The applied strategy of rather declaring low order levels of loadshedding, but more frequently, is being backed up with timely announcements so business can plan around the lapses in grid power. It also means less chance of a total collapse of the grid, such as what nearly happened late in 2019 when SA went to Level 6. Previously, Level 6 was unheard of.

Never before has the landscape looked so green for renewable energy. It seems that the facts are finally getting through to government. A green energy economy for a green future. This is not a crass privileged-class playing field. As we report in this edition, there are multiple benefits arising from the newly released Integrated Resources Plan for ordinary workers, emerging entrepreneurs and rural communities. All we need is the investment.

It is, however, the long-term future that benefits the most from a greener economy. Climate change threatens all our children, rich or poor, African or Asian or European. The steps we take today in meeting SA’s energy crisis will set us on a path for the future. The road splits ahead of us. Which track will business and government take?

Repeating: all we need is the investment to implement our green economy goals.

I hope you enjoy this edition. Support us with advertising if you do. We are one of few independent printed magazines left standing.

Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.

Editor Gareth Griffiths editor@tobuild.co.za www.tobuild.co.za

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The experts in interior landscapes At Ambius we design, install and service office plants for commercial businesses. Our designers specialise in selecting plants and containers to fit the available lighting and requirements of every space. We also offer rental artwork and scenting solutions to further enhance the indoor environment.

From the design concept to installation and ongoing maintenance, we are passionate about providing world-class service to every one of our customers.

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foreword

SACAP strives for architectural excellence in education The South African Council for the Architectural Professions (SACAP) is legally mandated to regulate the architectural profession in South Africa in terms of the Architectural Profession Act No. 44 of 2000. The profession includes professional architects, professional senior architectural technologists, professional architectural technologists, professional draughtspersons, specified categories, and candidates in each of the categories of registration, all of whom are required to be registered with SACAP to perform architectural work for the public.

Advocate Toto Fiduli (Registrar)

Accreditation of education in architecture

One of SACAP’s primary functions is the accreditation of architectural programmes offered by colleges and universities, to set standards of architectural education and training and to approve educational programmes which persons must complete to register with SACAP. In addition, SACAP sets the competency standards for the purpose of registration in the architectural profession.

The accreditation visits are conducted at all universities within a five-year cycle to determine if the required educational architectural requirements are adhered to as per the legislated categories.

SACAP’s vision on architectural education

The vision of the 5th term Council is: ‘Transformed architectural leaders serving society in a sustainable built environment.’ The Council therefore seeks to transform the architectural education and promote and educate the public about the importance of architecture.

SACAP is cognisant of the high cost of studying architecture. Although free education has been introduced for undergraduates, there is no funding for post-graduates to study architecture. To that end, SACAP will engage various stakeholders, particularly recognised voluntary associations, to provide bursaries for post-graduate studies in architecture.

The 5th term Council has established an Education Fund SubCommittee with the intention to fund architectural education of black South Africans. In addition, SACAP has set up the National Architectural Student Forum (NASF) with the aim of organising students studying architecture. In conjunction with NASF, SACAP will be undertaking roadshows to promote awareness about the role of SACAP in the architectural profession and the importance of registration.

SACAP also intends to undertake public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of architecture. In addition, workshops will be undertaken at high schools to promote architecture amongst learners with the hope that once they have completed matric, they will enrol to study architecture at accredited colleges and universities.

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Voice of SAIA

Enter the AfriSam-SAIA Sustainable Design Award 2020!

To mark a decade of the Awards programme, all practitioners of sustainable design are invited to enter projects that respond to innovative architectural and design thinking in the field of sustainability for the AfriSam-SAIA Sustainable Design Award 2020.

The AfriSam-SAIA Sustainable Design Award recognises contributions that bring sustainable innovation to both urban and rural living environments through an integrated approach to communities, planning, research, architecture, building practice, natural systems and technology.

Entries should demonstrate how they embody sound practices that bear the hallmarks of great architectural, social design and innovative thinking in the field of sustainability, to achieve a better future for all.

The entries will be judged based on the following criteria: 1. Harmonisation 2. People upliftment 3. New ways of thinking 4. Place making performance 5. Leadership The Award recognises design excellence in these four categories: A) Sustainable architecture B) Research in sustainability C) Sustainable products and technology D) Sustainable social programmes Entries must be submitted online at www.sustainabledesign.co.za by 31 March 2020, midnight (GMT+2). If you experience any difficulty in entering online, email briefing@sustainabledesign.co.za

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2019/06/20

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C

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SABS - WORKING WITH AND FOR INDUSTRIAL COMPANIES AND GOVERNMENT

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The South African Bureau of Standards supports the industrialisation effort of the Department of Trade and Industry. SABS is a founding member of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).

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:

CY

CMY

K

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 Support the attainment of policy and regulatory objectives

SABS_genad_ToBuild_06/2019

SABS provides services to assist the implementation of best practice solutions and achievement of quality products and services: More than 7000 South African National Standards Testing services for a diverse range of products of companies to management system standards of products and the application of the SABS Mark Scheme Training of management and employees on implementation of SANS Consignment Inspection Services to local content requirements SABS a trusted partner in delivering quality assurance.

Contact SABS to establish support for your standardisation aspirations.

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Tel.: + 27 (0)861 277 227 E-mail: info@sabs.co.za Website: www.sabs.co.za

2020/02/24 11:51 AM

volume 10 | issue 1 March - June 2020

CONTENTS

Editor’s Note.......................................................................................... 2 Voice of SAIA......................................................................................... 6 Editor’s Choice An oven that ‘listens’ to your food, Solar lights that work?, Contemporary pedestal........................................................................ 14 Cover Story.......................................................................................... 16 News & Views Apartment hotels – a growth area, New industrial and wholesale suppliers division, Desperate call to Government, Health & safety key drivers, Continued demand for residential property in Pretoria, Brewery truly wired............................................. 20 Lead Stories Launching the Ridge............................................................................. 26 How are we doing as an industry?........................................................ 30

Professions Sandton building uses spectacular façade cladding............................ 32 OxGlen buildings show respect for heritage....................................... 34 Calling all built environment professionals........................................... 36 IEA: Building & Construction Technical Committee............................ 38 Tower crane sales an indicator of recovery?......................................... 40 A word from ASAQS on the JBCC....................................................... 43 Siyanda Mbele, designer...................................................................... 46 Community architectural designer for circular economy..................... 48 Raising the residential bar in PE............................................................ 50 Addressing corrosion in wastewater plants.......................................... 52 OCFM recognised................................................................................. 54 Dealing with errant professionals.......................................................... 56

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CONTENTS

Building Systems Five ideas for classy kitchens................................................................. 58 Kitchen Specialists 2020........................................................................ 60 Essentials for industrial roll-up doors.................................................... 62 Solutions for a hard-hit industry............................................................ 65 Design professionals urged to join SASFA........................................... 68 The basics of steel roofing in warehouses............................................ 72 New UN-backed global fire safety standard under development...... 75

Materials Double decker rehabilitation creates safety and jobs.......................... 78 Efficiency and quality demanded to stay in the game........................ 84 Funding for solar-reflective roof coatings............................................. 86 Zama-Zamas a threat to sustainable development? ........................... 88 Cost, maintenance and longevity - the balance................................... 90 South Africa boasts new advanced processing plant.......................... 94 Efficient cavity wall construction........................................................... 96 Insulation to future proof properties?................................................... 99 Concrete and construction expos address 4IR readiness.................. 102

Services A word on ceiling fans......................................................................... 104 Global invention shown in the Greenhouse....................................... 107

Green Building Heat pumps offer an opportunity to expand sales............................ 110 South Africa’s first interior 6-Star Green Star Award........................... 112 Industry-managed Waste Management Plan..................................... 114 State of renewable energy in SA........................................................ 117

Professional Education Food for plants - Mwana Mwale......................................................... 120

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To Build HandBook

Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

volume 10 issue 1 MARCH – JUNE 2020

volume 10 | issue 1 / March – June 2020

Ready-2-Fit: making it easy Logo_experience quality.indd 1

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Cover Art: Swartland

Publisher

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

EDITOR

COPY EDITOR

AD TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

Tel: +27 21 424 3625 | Fax: +27 86 516 7277 6 Carlton Crescent, Parklands, 7441 Elroy van Heerden elroy@tobuild.co.za Gareth Griffiths editor@tobuild.co.za Tessa O’Hara tessa.ohara@gmail.com Melanie Taylor artwork@mediaxpose.co.za

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Bryan Hack Claire Deacon Gareth Griffiths Imaging John Barnard John Lewis John Smallwood Melissa Davidson Nico Pienaar Robin Schultz Stepahnie Forbes Suria Ramnarain

DESIGN & LAYOUT CDC Design carla@cdcdesign.co.za

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Rene van Heerden rene@tobuild.co.za

ADVERTISING SALES Jacqui Marsh jacqui@tobuild.co.za

DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCCRIPTIONS Shihaam Gyer distribution@mediaxpose.co.za MEDIA PARTNERSHIPS COORDINATOR Maurisha Niewenhuys maurisha@mediaxpose.co.za SOCIAL MEDIA & DIGITAL MANAGER Sasha-Jade Burgess digital@mediaxpose.co.za

SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT Kyla van Heerden social@mediaxpose.co.za

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR Shaun Mays accounts@mediaxpose.co.za

RECEPTION Daniela Daniels receptionist@mediaxpose.co.za

/tobuildpublication Printed by

www.tobuild.co.za

, a division of Novus Holdings

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.

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EDITOR’S CHOICE PROMISING PRODUCTS

An oven that ‘listens’ to your food

A revolutionary new oven is set to truly transform the way food is cooked, which will be particularly handy for those who like to entertain and would rather spend their time with family and guests, instead of toiling away in a hot kitchen.

Miele

‘M

iele’s Dialog oven is like no other smart kitchen appliance currently on the market – if you use it, you will get a vague idea of what it must’ve been like for the first users of the microwave oven back in the 50s. Simply put – this oven is truly amazing and can do things that no other oven can,’ says Miele’s Mercia de Jager.

The oven’s revolutionary technology was initially used on medical devices designed to support organ transplant surgery in the medical profession.

‘Transplant organs need to be very gently and evenly warmed up, without any cold or hot spots, before a transplant can take place. This high-tech technology was adjusted and brought into the kitchen via the Dialog oven, and it opens up a world of exciting possibilities in the realm of cooking,’ adds De Jager.

When you start looking at the supplier’s so-called M Chef technology and how the oven cooks the food, the real magic of the Dialog oven will come to light.

‘In addition to traditional baking and convection cooking, the Dialog oven adds another cooking method – radio frequency. Similar to a microwave oven,

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the Dialog oven uses radio waves to heat up the food.

However, unlike a microwave oven, it also has sensors that monitor how much energy the food absorbs, and responds by adjusting the waves’ frequency, amplitude and phase accordingly. In essence, as its name implies – it both talks and listens to your food – ensuring that it is cooked evenly and quickly,’ explains De Jager.

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EDITOR’S CHOICE PROMISING PRODUCTS

Solar lights that (really) work Never again become agitated over solar lights that let you down, say Steinhel, the developers of the XSolar system.

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Steinhel

n technical terms, the system combines the best components – from the highly efficient monocrystalline solar panel, the high-performance infrared sensor and the temperature-resistant rechargeable battery providing lighting availability for 60 days to the intelligent microprocessor control system – reliably illuminating up to 30m2 of outdoor space with bright LED light.

The developers say that this makes it the smartest solution for mounting on garden walls, external walls and wherever there’s no power connection available.

Steinhel www.steinel.de

Contemporary pedestal Wooden furniture producer, Woodbender, has expanded its 2020 range with its latest offering, the Contemporary Pedestal. According to the company, the range is inspired by modern-day living and design trends.

Woodbender

‘T

he new addition to the Woodbender range offers all the benefits of our other pedestal bases in a sophisticated new shape,’ says the company.

The product features three self-stabilising legs and is crafted to support any round or square tabletop. Made from solid Ash timber, grown in sustainably managed forests, the new release is available in a bar counter height, kitchen counter height, and dining counter height.

Pedestal tables are proving to be a go-to for hospitality establishments, homeowners and interior designers as they eliminate the hassle of working around table legs. Their small footprint makes them ideal for compact living environments and those corners of the home that are awkward to fill. volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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COVER STORY SWARTLAND

Are you ready for quality and convenience?

Our cover advertiser, Swartland, has great news for designers, builders and tradesmen.

Swartland

Swartland’s innovative Ready-2-Fit range of wooden windows and doors come pre-glazed and pre-sealed directly from the factory – saving you time and money.

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COVER STORY SWARTLAND

T

op quality timber architectural accents, such as beautifully crafted wooden windows and doors, can add an organically attractive and timeless aesthetic to any building they grace. Over and above the beauty of these features, wood is also a wonderfully environmentally friendly choice of building material – it is renewable, an excellent insulator, and, if properly maintained, it is exceptionally durable and long lasting.

Problems of the past

In the past, wooden windows and doors did not receive the necessary care and treatment they require. Installation methods were often not able to guarantee perfect results due to inconsistent levels of workmanship. Also, any raw timber products left outdoors on-site were at the mercy of the elements until they were installed, glazed and sealed. Any exposure to rain or damp conditions could lead to serious long-term damage of the timber.

Installation was also a very timeous procedure.

Best practice requires that you paint or seal your doors and windows prior to installation. Very seldom is this done on site. Windows and doors are usually installed, then glazed and lastly the sealant or paint is applied. This means that your timber is exposed where it is built into the wet works, causing it to take up moisture and swell.

Another problem is that timber is exposed behind the glass and glazing beads. If glazed using traditional putty, the timber will draw out the oil from the putty, making it brittle. This allows water to seep into the opening.

Trapped water causes rot and decay of your timber.

Lastly, to properly maintain timber windows and doors, you needed to sand them down and reseal them regularly, which is an arduous and laborious job.

The solution: Swartland’s Ready-2-Fit range

With Swartland’s Ready-2-Fit range, however, all the aforementioned problems are a thing of the past.

Cobus Lourens, Business Development Manager for Swartland, explains: ‘The Ready-2-Fit range of wooden windows and doors are professionally sealed and glazed before they leave the Swartland factory, so that when they arrive on the building site, they are ready to be installed with. A newly added service included in the Ready-2-Fit range is that doors can be pre-hung in its frames, fitted with hinges, flush bolts and locks.

‘This not only saves the builder and homeowner time and money on installation costs, but it also ensures that the windows and doors are adequately protected against exposure to the elements. It also vastly increases the overall build quality – ensuring that the windows and doors are finished to Swartland’s exacting standards and therefore, ensuring that any warrantees are upheld,’ he explains.

Lourens lists some of the many benefits to the Ready-2-Fit range

All pre-sealed: All Swartland’s Ready-2-Fit windows and doors are pre-sealed with high quality waterbased sealant before they leave the factory to ensure unbeatable protection against the elements. The chosen

Ready-2-Fit range at a glance: • No more sanding - easy wash ‘n wipe maintenance.

• Excellent durability ensured with high-end water-based sealant.

• Improves build quality at no extra cost.

• Validates the Swartland guarantee.

• It is an eco-friendly and energy-efficient solution.

• Constant testing ensures compliance with the National Building Regulation and Consumer Protection Act. • Offers good thermal and sound insulation, depending on the glass chosen. volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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COVER STORY SWARTLAND

water-based sealant boasts a number of benefits, including the fact that it is an environmentally-friendly sealant, with low VOC emissions, it is UV- and waterresistant, non-flammable, lead-free, and it contains antifungal properties to protect the timber from fungus, such as dry rot, for example. It will also offer years of protection from the damaging effects of extreme temperatures, humidity, cold, rain and sunlight. To cater for darker colours, such as Teak and Imbuia, for example, the water-based sealant contains heat-reflective pigments that lower the surface temperature of the wood to reduce natural movement.

Colour of your choice: Since 2012, when this range was first launched, Swartland has offered the following colour options: Teak, Imbuia, Light Oak and White. Recently, four new colours were introduced to give our clients more choices. The colours chosen are a natural palette that will contribute to your modern home or fit in with traditional designs.

No more sanding required: What really makes waterbased sealant a winner is the fact that it makes wooden windows and doors a synch to maintain in the long-term.

Gone are the days when you had to laboriously sand wooden windows and doors before re-sealing them – now you can simply wash and wipe them down to restore them to their original beauty.

All glazing is taken care of: All windows and doors in the Ready-2-Fit range come pre-glazed with standard 4mm glass or 6.38mm safety glass, in accordance with the National Building Regulations. A variety of other types of glazing, such as double-glazing and Low-E glass, for example, is also available on request.

Pre-hung doors: Due to public demand, Swartland decided to pre-hang doors in its frames in the factory, with all the essential hardware. We have had overwhelming response from builders who require this

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top quality finish. Another exciting addition in its final stages of development is the roll-out of adjustable frames to compensate for swelling and shrinking, available in the first quarter of 2020.

Compliance with the National Building Regulations and Consumer Protection Act: Swartland continuously tests its products to ensure that they are compliant with the National Building Regulations. To ensure that its windows are compliant with the SANS 613 Mechanical Performance Criteria, the Ready-2-Fit range of windows are tested for deflection, structural strength, waterresistance, air-tightness, operating forces, and the best possible energy efficiency.

‘The Ready-2-Fit range of wooden windows and doors from Swartland is a testament to the company’s dedication to providing innovative solutions to the construction and design industries, as well as entrenching its position as an industry leader in providing quality, eco-friendly solutions. With all the benefits inherent in the new Ready-2-Fit range – it really should be the only choice for superlative buildings and homes alike,’ Lourens concludes.

Swartland +27 (0)86 10 2425 customerservice@swatland.co.za www.swartland.co.za

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Beauty isn’t only skin deep.

You won’t notice at first glance, but our steel sectional garage doors are packed with under-the-skin strength and security features like high-quality steel panels and anti-pinch hinging technology. Which makes them just as tough as they are good-looking. A proud member of the Swartland family, Hydro steel garage doors are available in single skin or foam-filled options and guaranteed to enhance the security and kerb-appeal of any home.

For more information visit www.hydrodoors.co.za or call 086 110 2425.

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NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE MARKETPLACE

Apartment hotels – a growth area South Africa’s hotel development market, and specifically Cape Town’s, is buoyant despite a tough economy and the after-effects of the drought. Innovative ways of accommodating corporate and leisure travellers, such as apartment hotels or serviced apartment-style hotels, are gaining momentum.

Romney Park Hotels

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ecent figures highlight that five-star-hotel occupancy in Cape Town, where many apartment hotel operators are located, has increased by 4% over the last year, while the average daily rate (ADR, the average realised room rental per day) has grown by 2,6%. The four-star sector’s occupancy, despite new hotel entrants, has also increased, by 1,6% and with a 2,2% increase in ADR. ‘Cape Town’s tourism resilience and attractive rate of return are making property buyers move to other, non-traditional options of buying property, like buying an apartment in a hotel property and then leasing it back to the hotel and enjoying a good monthly return that mirrors the uptick of local tourism,’ says Wayne Troughton, Managing Director of HTI Consulting, a development consultant for the hospitality sector across Africa and the Middle East.

A working example of this is Romney Park Luxury Apartments, previously a five-star all-suite hotel in Green Point, which for six consecutive years won the AA’s Best All-Suite Hotel in South Africa award. Following a multimillion-rand redevelopment in 2018, Romney Park now offers for sale fully furnished apartments to local and overseas buyers, which are leased back to an on-site hospitality management company, The Stay Collection, to operate as self-contained hotel apartments, along with all the bells and whistles of a five-star luxury hotel.

Romney Park Luxury Apartments, previously a five-star all-suite hotel in Green Point.

Serviced apartments in Africa represents less than 1% of all hotel rooms, whereas internationally the figure is closer to 10% of supply. South Africa’s highest concentration of serviced apartment-style hotel developments, with 1% of total rooms, is in Cape Town.

Several new apartment hotel developments entered the Cape Town scene in recent years, including The Protea North Wharf, Capital Mirage, Onyx, Radisson Blu Hotel and Residences, and Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites. The Marriott Residence Inn, which forms part of the highly anticipated Harbour Arch development on the Foreshore, will start trading once the development is completed.

TO ADVERTISE IN TO BUILD CONTACT 021 424 3625 20

Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

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NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE MARKETPLACE

Brighter future with symbiosis A new “symbiotic relationship” aims to offer great benefits to customers who will now have access to a more comprehensive range of tools at good prices.

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estern Cape based family owned hardware chain, Brights Hardware, has launched their new Brights Industrial and Wholesale Suppliers division through a merger with Cape Engineering Supplies.

Orlando Luis, CEO of Brights explains that this new symbiotic relationship between Brights and Cape Engineering Supplies offers great benefits to customers who will now have access to a more comprehensive range of welding, abrasives, safety, industrial tools and power tools at more competitive prices.

‘Brights imports a wide range of our own products which retail under the Brights Stallion brand, distributed across eight Brights branches in the Western Cape.

Trade and industrial customers can purchase this full Stallion range, plus all of the other 58 000 Brights products, at wholesale pricing on account at any of our branches – and orders will be delivered directly to the customer’s factory or business premises,’ says Luis.

Russell Benadie of Cape Engineering Supplies explains that the Brights Industrial and Wholesale Suppliers division, which operates out of the Brights Blackheath branch and has access to the central distribution centre’s full stock holding, services an extensive range of industry sectors – any business that manufactures, repairs, maintains or services any kind of products – from food production equipment to large machinery, vehicles, boats and more.

‘We distribute a vast range of products within daily use in any workshop or factory environment. Through this merger with Brights, Cape Engineering Supplies are now able to offer industrial customers a far bigger portfolio of products at a more competitive price. The merger has afforded Brights the opportunity to create a focused and specialist division servicing the needs of industrial clients and not just building contractors and retail customers,’ Benadie explains.

Desperate call to Government A recent report by the CSIR Energy Centre on load shedding indicated that it cost the country between R60 billion and R120 billion last year.

N

otable author, independent power advisor and activist, Ted Blom, frames the problem.

Speaking at the recently held Mining Indaba, Blom said: ‘More than 30% of South African mining projects will be terminated prematurely due to additional power costs if suitable solutions are not found within the next 12 months.’

He made his comments in the wake of Minister Gwede Mantashe’s announcement last week that the government had conceded that it must allow mining companies to produce energy for their own use.

‘Most mining projects in Africa provide their own power for operations, but that just increases the hurdle rate for committed capital to develop and run the project. The big difference is that provision of own power is already factored into those projects whilst

South African projects have never factored in the costs of providing own power,’ says Blom.

Meanwhile, Kadri Nassiep, Executive Director of Energy at the City of Cape Town states: ‘The City’s court case, in which it seeks clarity with respect to the role of municipalities in the purchase of electricity from sources other than just Eskom, is a ground-breaking issue and potentially an exciting one for the sector as a whole.’

‘If the courts rule in favour of the City it will trigger a public tender process to bring additional generation on stream, mostly from independent sources. This will open the door for other municipalities to follow suit and in the process, relieve some of the burden imposed on Eskom by the current legislative and regulatory framework.’

The hearing is scheduled for May this year. volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE MARKETPLACE

Health & safety key drivers Health and safety are reported to be key drivers for Concor Buildings at the construction of Oxford Parks Phase I, which is due for completion during 2020. This project comprises the construction of four mixed-use premium office and retail buildings, and a fifth building which will house a hotel.

Concor

A

ccommodating the workforce and all subcontractors required for the simultaneous construction of the various structures, means that there can be no compromise on health and safety.

Godfrey Baloyi, Concor Buildings HSE practitioner on site, explains that Concor’s internal health and safety policies are applied in line with those of ComPrac Holdings who has been appointed health and safety compliance consultant.

As part of the stringent safety requirements, Baloyi audits and ensures that the safety files of all subcontractors are aligned with those of Concor Buildings. All site staff undergo an initial safety induction before they can commence their duties, and issues of concern are addressed at weekly toolbox talks. Daily planning and safety meetings confirm the priority given to health and safety on site.

Safety is enforced through a policy of Visible Felt Leadership (VFL). The implementation of this policy is a two-way approach. When a potential health or safety infringement or a life-threatening situation is observed, activity is stopped immediately, and corrective coaching is given.

Major incident prevention (MIP) is the second approach. To this end, foremen and section leaders are required to check that the site is safe, while the contract manager ensures that all documentation relating to competence and certification are in place in terms of the OSH Act. Bennie de Koker, Concor Buildings HSE Manager, says that in the past safety on site was the responsibility of safety officers only.

‘Today, safety is fortunately no longer seen in isolation, but as a collaborative effort on the part of everyone on site. Continuous coaching and awareness campaigns are critical.’

A new concept has been introduced on this site by Concor Buildings.

‘Understanding the impact of visuals, workers are

22

Godfrey Baloyi, Concor Buildings HSE practitioner and Bennie De Koker, Concor Buildings HSE manager.

shown a picture and are asked to identify unsafe or potentially hazardous practices and to suggest corrective action,’ De Koker says. ‘This method of interactive discussion is proving to have great impact when used in conjunction with traditional safety instructions.’

De Koker and Baloyi jointly have more than 30 years’ experience and both are registered Construction Health and Safety Professionals with The South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), attesting to Concor’s commitment to observing safe practices.

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Franke SA_fcp.indd 1

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NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE MARKETPLACE

Continued demand for residential property in Pretoria Pretoria is currently experiencing an increase in new developments, including commercial and mixed-use precincts, says Retha Schutte, Pam Golding Properties (PGP) Pretoria regional executive.

PGP. Magnolia Meadows

‘T

he massive investments from large corporations and private companies into the local economy in the region are encouraging to prospective buyers who continue to show huge interest in buying property in Pretoria.’

The Brookings Global Metro Monitor report identified Pretoria as the fastest growing city in South Africa in 2018. Schutte says: ‘The number of new developments that have come onto the market in the last few years are indicative of the demand for property with a focus on lifestyle and precinct living.’

Pretoria’s newest security estate, Zambezi Manor Lifestyle Estate, recorded the highest price growth in Gauteng in 2018. According to Lightstone data, property prices within this estate, considered one of the top in Gauteng, grew by 10.8% in 2018.

24

Early this year, PGP launched the first ever green, sustainable and completely off-grid, exclusive residential development comprising just 23 units. The development, Magnolia Meadows, is located in the established Nieuw Muckleneuk suburb with beautiful tree-lined streets – which completes the feeling of a green and low carbon footprint lifestyle.

‘Green homes at Magnolia Meadows are priced below R3 million, and we expect demand to exceed supply given the limited number of units,’ adds Schutte.

‘In addition to the price and location, the prospect of capital appreciation/growth is also important for buyers purchasing in new developments. Nonetheless, we find that even in the current subdued growth environment, properties within the R3 million range are still in demand and tend to sell quickly,’ notes Schutte.

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NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE MARKETPLACE

Brewery truly wired In addition to the supply of three transformers, an important brewer was looking for a partner who would interface with the suppliers of various aspects of electrical equipment. A local supplier was sourced to supply European Directive on Efficiency compliant equipment, to the requirements of the client.

Traffo

D

ry-type transformer specialist Trafo Power Solutions has delivered transformers and other electrical upgrades for a global beer maker’s expanded facility in Gauteng. In addition to supplying three transformers, the company interfaced closely with the customer’s Europe-based engineering team as well as with local electrical contractors and consultants.

Installation was co-ordinated with plant shutdown schedules to avoid costly downtime.

In addition to the supply of three transformers, the customer was also looking for a partner who would interface with the suppliers of various aspects of electrical equipment, according to Trafo Power Solutions managing director David Claassen. Trafo has therefore interacted closely with the customer’s Europe-based engineering team on the one hand, and with local electrical contractors on the other.

Meeting high-pressure deadlines, three transformers were designed, supplied and commissioned. These included a 1250 kVA and a 1600 kVA unit – both with 11kV to 400 V capacity – as well as a 2000 kVA unit for 11 kV to 690 V application.

“These transformers all comply with the European Directive on Efficiency and are the lowest-loss dry-type transformers available,” Claassen says. “This was the customer’s specification, as they place strong priority on energy efficiency worldwide.”

Also, in the scope of work was medium voltage switchgear, including two ring-main units (RMUs) with one a three-way and the other a four-way.

Dry-type cast resin transformers installed in IP21 enclosures.

“We modified the RMU’s in line with the customer’s requirement, including a battery-tripping unit (BTU) on each,” he says. “This ensures there is power available regardless of the condition of the circuit breaker.”

As a brownfield project, there was considerable adaptation of design to suit the plant configuration.

Instrumentation was located on a raised base, for instance, where voltage transformers and current transformers were installed for monitoring each RMU. “We also supplied three very specialised distribution boards (DBs) between the low voltage transformers and the new sections of the plant and new brewhouse,” he says. “This non-standard design has a modular type assembly conforming to EIC 61439 and EIC 61641.”

TO ADVERTISE IN TO BUILD CONTACT 021 424 3625

Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

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2020/02/23 11:20 PM

LEAD STORY CIRCULAR ECONOMY TRIUMPH

At the roof wetting, Allan Nenguke (Growthpoint), Carike Nel, Wayne Megaw and Paul Schneider (all Deloitte), Norbert Sasse (Growthpoint), Vusi Nondo (V&A Waterfront), Vuyani Hako (PIC), David Green (V&A Waterfront) and Nozipho Mazibuko (PIC)

Launching The Ridge in the Waterfront Ex Africa semper aliquid novi, says Pliny the Elder, writing in his thesis Naturalis Historia VIII. xviii.

The quotation, meaning ‘Africa always brings something new’, would endure through the ages, bringing us to the South Africa of today.

Gareth Griffiths Imaging and Rendering by Arup

I

n the spirit of this philosophy, Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, recently announced its newest development project - a commercial building named The Ridge, at a roof wetting ceremony held at the end of January. The project architects are Studio MAS and the engineers are ARUP. To Build was there to document events as part of a select list of invited media.

David Green, the CEO of the V&A Waterfront, believes that developers who understand and respond to the needs of building occupants are practicing the right kind of leadership for the future.

‘A vital part of the circular economy is the focus on people’, he says.

It would seem as if people and the environment are high on the agenda of the planning for this new building.

The new 8 500m2 building follows a string of bespoke

26

developments in the iconic 123ha waterfront, which to date holds the honour of being South Africa’s most visited destination.

‘The Ridge represents the confidence that our company and its shareholders have in the future of Cape Town as a destination for business. It also represents our confidence in South Africa itself,’ adds Green.

“Our Normal” defines plans for a new mixed-use district

‘The V&A Waterfront’s ethical development approach defines the master planning for The Ridge, focusing on sustainability and care for the people who will use the building. We call this “Our Normal”, a vision and approach setting the tone for sustainable green building, guiding our planning and development strategies,’ Green explains.

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LEAD STORY CIRCULAR ECONOMY TRIUMPH

Showing off the Ecobricks, recycled plastic void-formers to sequestrate plastic from the environment: Vusi Nondo (Development Exec) and Franette Ventura (development team).

The Ridge is a custom-designed green building which will accommodate the Cape Town offices of international professional services firm, Deloitte. Construction began early in 2019 and the roof slab was completed in January 2020. The overall completion date and the subsequent handover to Deloitte are scheduled for October 2020.

The site was previously a parking lot which serviced the renowned UCT Graduate School of Business Campus,

the Breakwater Lodge building and other existing commercial buildings in the vicinity.

On the ground, The Ridge features a number of firsts for the green building/sustainability industry, which set new standards for the industry in South Africa. These include energy-efficient and passive climate control measures, the use of renewables, sustainable water handling and usage, the lowering of the carbon footprint of the building and a focus on the use of natural lighting.

Dematerialisation, a concept that has grown in popularity globally as the climate crisis is fully understood, means consciously using fewer and lighter materials than business-as-normal practices. Hence, this lowers the environmental footprint of the building on the planet. This is manifested at The Ridge in unique ways, including designing the concrete structure to be as efficient as possible. The project has sequestered plastic waste collected from a variety of sources and encapsulating this in the building core (see our report in the Green Building pages of the magazine).

First for timber

Additionally, the usage of timber as the facade of the building is a South African first. Much of the building features a cross-laminated timber (CLT) facade that provides not only a warm and authentic feel to the

The facade of the new building will consist of a zig-zag formation of cross laminated timber, alternated with opening glass windows.

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2020/02/23 11:22 PM

LEAD STORY CIRCULAR ECONOMY TRIUMPH COPYRIGHT NOTE THIS DRAWING IS SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT AND MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED, IN WHOLE OR PART, OR IN ANY MANNER WHATSOEVER WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE ARCHITECT. General All work is to be done in accordance with the National building Regulations.

All materials and workmanship are to comply with the relevant S.A.B.S. codes and or the specified international codes where applicable in the Architectural specifications. Where relevant South African National Standards, British Standards, BS codes of practice, or Agrément Certificates applicable to the design exists, the recommendations and requirements of such documents to be considered a minimum standard for the works.

The contractor shall in all aspects of the works comply with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No 85 of 1993) and any regulations promulgated in terms of that Act or the Factories Machinery and Building Works Act of 1941.

The contractor shall set up, document and maintain a quality assurance and quality control system, in accordance with SANS 9001/ISO 9001, able to be checked to the satisfaction of the Architect, that all materials and workmanship, whatever their sources, meet the requirements of the Specification. Should the Contractor or any of his sub-contractors be certified to the SANS 9000 family of standards then monitor these works accordingly.

Note: This drawing must be read in conjunction with all the relevant drawings, schedules and specifications from studioMAS and all other consultants related to the project.

All portions of the works related to any service or consultant’s information is to be done in accordance with the National Building Regulations.

This drawing is not to be scaled. Figured dimensions to be used. All dimensions are in millimeters unless otherwise stated.

All dimensions and levels must be checked on site by the contractor before putting work in hand.

All work to be executed by competent persons qualified for the specific trade.

Revision Schedule

1

2

2650

3

5000

7500

PV Roof Level DB Water Supply

Roof Level

5

5600

6

5600

7

7500

REV A B

8

light well/ closure detail TBC HVAC PLANT COOLING TOWERS

insulation/ screeds to fall / waterproofing

insulation/ screeds to fall / waterproofing

250

site B 4 ROOF 29700

2950

200mm Zone for acoustic panelling / sprinklers

Full-height glazing to third floor 1m high steel balustrade

Floor finish by tenant

Custom Glulam Facadeto specialists detail

DATE DRAWN DESCRIPTION 2018_11_22 CS Issued for Co-ordination Meeting Purposes 2018_11_26 CS Revised and Issued for Co-ordination Purposes

5000

200mm Zone for acoustic panelling / sprinklers

Floor finish by tenant

450

Third Floor

250

200mm Zone for acoustic panelling / sprinklers

site B 3rd Flr FFL 26500 site B 3 THIRD 26050

Access Flooring Service Void

Access Flooring Service Void

1m high steel balustrade

200mm Zone for acoustic panelling / sprinklers Custom Glulam Facadeto specialists detail

Floor finish by tenant

Floor finish by tenant

6600

Second Floor Access Flooring Service Void

200mm Zone for acoustic panelling / sprinklers

site B 2nd Flr FFL 22850 site B 2 SECOND 22400

Access Flooring Service Void

1m high steel balustrade

Floor finish by tenant

750 450

250

CONSULTANTS: CONTRACTOR:

200mm Zone for acoustic panelling / sprinklers

QUANTITY SURVEYORS:

CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS:

Floor finish by tenant

First Floor Access Flooring Service Void

Access Flooring Service Void

Ceiling Service Void

Ceiling Service Void

site B 1st Flr FFL 19200 site B 1 FIRST 18750

MECHANICAL ENGINEER:

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER:

PUBLIC WALKWAY

FIRE CONSULTANT:

Internal Street

2750

WET SERVICES ENGINEER:

85mm screed and tile build-up

Insulation spec TBC VENTILATION SHAFT

85mm screed and tile build-up site B 0 GROUND 15000

335

Ground Floor

Naturally cross ventilated basements

Driveway

Parked Ramp

VENTILATION SHAFT

EXISTING ROAD

PROJECT MANAGER:

Sign: site B basement +1 12000

Date:

CLIENT SIGN:

V&A

3000

Sign: site B basement level-1 & level-2 9000

Date:

ARCHITECTS:

Store JOHANNESBURG

Surface Bed level TBC site B basement -3 6000

Tel: (011) 486 2979 Fax: (011) 646 5399

2018/11/26 10:16:45

\\STUDIOMAS-DC\RedirectedFolders\CarlaS\My Documents\2018_11_22_Project Gabriel_CENTRAL_CarlaS.rvt

PO Box 1614 Saxonwold 2132 Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA Courtyards on Oxford Road 25 Oxford Rd, Forest Town www.studiomas.co.za CAPE TOWN Tel: (021) 461 9297 Fax: (021) 461 9558

D 200-002_Section DD

studioMAS architects + urban designers

1 : 100

THIS DRAWING IS THE CONFIDENTIAL PROPERTY OF STUDIOMAS ARCHTECTS + URBAN DESIGNERS. AND MAY NOT BE DISCLOSED TO A THIRD PARTY, COPIED OR REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM STUDIOMAS ARCHTECTS + URBAN DESIGNERS.

Left: Development team: Wayne Megaw (Deloitte) with Kirsten Goosen, Mark Noble and Franette Ventura (V&AWaterfont).

Pierre Swanepoel SACAP Membership Number : 6362 studioMAS architects + urban designers Sign:

Date:

PROJECT:

V&A

Portswood Precinct

SHEET DESCRIPTION:

Sections_Sheet 2

Above: Rendering showing natural ventilation within The Ridge.

DRAWN

Author

CHECKED

DATE

11/20/18

Checker

DISCIPLINE

SERIES

DRAWING NUMBER

Natural ventilation

The building aims to create an unrivalled internal environment with the highest level of natural light and fresh air. Included in this is a ground-breaking “central street” concept - an atrium naturally ventilated with fresh air and opening windows for workers.

‘Building users will enjoy its inspiring views, its inner green spaces, breakaway zones and a reflective environment. In effect, it is the opposite of conventional city buildings which are dominated by concrete and glass. Its pioneering timber façade and mixed -mode natural ventilation mechanical systems are firsts for South Africa. It effectively offers an oasis in the city,’ says Green.

The V&A Waterfront’s tenant, Deloitte, has undertaken an impressive journey of sustainability and this approach has been behind deciding to choose a very green building on the Southern tip of Africa.

‘Deloitte already occupies The Edge building in Amsterdam South, one of the highest rated green buildings in the world (BREEAM). Our building will use IoT connectivity to optimise its energy efficiency and promote employee mobility and wellness goals. We are driven by an overall corporate commitment to sustainability, demonstrated by our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for corporate responsibility and sustainability vision’, says Marius Alberts, the regional leader of Deloitte in Cape Town.

The Ridge will form the apex of a new Waterfront zone, dubbed the Portswood District, a green development

28

STAGE

10 m

forming a natural linkage to the Greenpoint fringe of the Atlantic Seaboard. Existing developed buildings there include the Merchant House building and the Breakwater Lodge and campus to the east. The developed site will form the main connection between Dock Road, on the main route to the original parts of the Waterfront, and Portswood Road, which runs just outside the northwestern boundary of the property.

‘This unique new district of the V&A Waterfront has a commercial property focus, including a mixed-use element with a strong emphasis on urban mobility.

Other upcoming developments there include a new 6 500m2 office building and the upgrade and restoration of the historic villas targeting boutique financial, legal and professional firms,’ adds Green.

‘Developments we have already undertaken along these lines include the Silo District, incorporating a number of Green Building Council of SA (GBCSA) Green Star-rated buildings, as well as the world acclaimed Zeitz MOCAA and The Silo Hotel projects. The Ridge should receive a high Green Star rating by the GBCSA, strongly signalling our commitment to sustainability,’ says Green.

Professional team Architects: Studio MAS Engineering Team: Arup Project Managers: Mace Quantity Surveyors: Smith & Co Interior Architects: Paragon Interface Main Contractor: GVK Siya Zama Geo-tech engineers: Core Geothech Landscape Architects: Planning Partners Acoustics: SRL

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REVISION

200-002 B 100mm IF PLOTTED TO SCALE

exterior, but significantly reduces the building’s carbon footprint. The façade is designed to facilitate passive climate control inside and hence contributes to a comfortable and natural working environment for building users.

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LEAD STORY ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR CONSTRUCTION

How are we doing as an industry?

Overall, Sub-Saharan Africa is forecast to deliver steady economic growth over the next two years but prospects will vary significantly from nation to nation, argues construction and consulting professional giant, MACE. Chayka1270/Pixabay and Infographic by MACE

I

n their second half economic outlook paper entitled Mace SSA Market Review [Ref: https://www. macegroup.com/locations/sub-saharan-africa/southafrica], Kelvin Byres, MACE Director for South and West Africa argues that, ‘The central outlook for construction activity across Sub-Saharan Africa is cautiously positive but the overall picture conceals wide variation between nations. South Africa continues to face significant headwinds but the outlook for East and West Africa is brighter’.

‘In busier markets like Ethiopia, Rwanda and Ghana, tailoring procurement strategy to reflect localised capacity constraints, and early contractor engagement, will deliver the best project outcomes.’

Growth in Ethiopia, Rwanda and Ghana is expected to exceed 7% this year and the outlook for next year is equally buoyant, according to World Bank forecasts.

2019 proved more challenging for some nations.

Downside risks threaten growth prospects across the region. High government borrowing may be problematic for some countries if measures to rein in spending to reduce current account deficits fail. Median debt as a percentage of GDP across Sub-Saharan Africa increased from less than 30% in 2012 to 49% in 2018 and some

30

nations have accumulated a significantly higher debt burden.

Government debt levels in Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa exceeded the Sub-Saharan Africa median in 2018.

Progress has been made towards achieving the African Continental Free Trade Agreement – an unprecedented initiative to eliminate 90% of trade tariffs over five years.

Implementation is likely to be slow but, so far, 54 out of 55 states have signed the agreement, marking a significant shift in the landscape. Currently, intra-Africa trade only accounts for 18% of African trade flows and the UN Economic Commission for Africa estimates that implementation of this agreement could double intraAfrican trade by 2030.

A softer outlook for the pace of global economy expansion has eased pressure on commodities prices.

At the same time, heightened tensions in the Middle East triggered a recent appreciation in oil prices.

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, construction activity is forecast to grow at an average rate of 7% over the next two years. Upside risks remain but pressure on input prices has generally eased.

But the cost of delivering construction projects across

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Overall GDP growth forecast in Sub-Saharan Africa is...

2019

2020

2.9%

the region will be determined by localised supply and demand dynamics. Key markets are currently at different points in the development cycle underlining the importance of targeted procurement strategy. With elections in many Sub-Saharan Africa nations, there is a near-term risk that investment decisions will be delayed as the inevitable election hiatus hits and policy may shift.

3.3%

Ethiopia’s construction sector is forecast to increase by nearly a third over the next two years

In South Africa GDP growth forecast to accelerate to...

2020

1.5%

South Africa

In contrast to Rwanda, Ghana and Ethiopia, South Africa’s GDP is set to grow by a relatively subdued 1.1%. This has been attributed to corruption and the precarious financial position of state-owned enterprises. This is constraining activity and in addition, rising construction costs and weak demand continue to make the operating environment difficult for construction contractors. Several of the country’s largest contractors have succumbed to the challenging environment and supply chain capacity has reduced.

Successful procurement in the current market takes an intelligent, pragmatic, approach to risk. Over the medium term, as appetite returns to market, the reduction in supply chain capacity will prove to be problematic.

As a result, construction companies should be engaged early in the development process, to plan ahead and deliver successful project outcomes.

which should support construction activity High government debt is a risk – median debt as a % of GDP has increased across Sub-Saharan Africa...

2012 2018

29.6% 49.2%

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2020/02/23 11:22 PM

PROFESSIONS ARCHITECTURE

Sandton building uses spectacular façade cladding In the light of current trends in which property owners are opting to refurbish existing assets, a great example of such a project is 155 West Street in Sandton. This building, along with two others, used to house the Discovery Group prior to their move to Discovery Place.

Paragon Group

A

ccording to Keron Muller, Senior Architectural Technologist with Paragon Group, the main benefit of refurbishment is usually perceived as cost-saving, but this is not always the case.

‘Sometimes costs can be higher due to the quantity of remedial work required, often usually only identified during the actual construction phase. Generally speaking, refurbishing an asset is a great way to facelift and maintain it, if this is done correctly,’ he says.

Some drawbacks could include existing site restrictions, land and usage rights, and available tenants in the rental space. The implication of the refurbishment trend for architects is that these projects usually require more work than new builds, which means that the resource allocation is higher.

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Keron Muller, Senior Architectural Technologist at the Paragon Group

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PROFESSIONS ARCHITECTURE

New three storey atrium with roof terrace and skylight.

At 155 West Street, Paragon’s original brief was to upgrade the façade, add an entirely new three-storey atrium with a roof terrace and skylight above, and a full ground-floor upgrade with common meeting rooms and a coffee shop, as well as an upgrade to the P1 parking level, with changerooms, showers and facilities for cyclists. Additional briefs were given to upgrade the internal finishes to a modern standard, and to allow for multi-tenanted floor plates.

Greater building density 155 West is on a prominent high traffic road in Sandton.

Project team 155 West Street

Main Contractor: WBHO Architects: Paragon Project Manager: Capex Structural Engineer: Pure Consulting Mechanical Engineer: Adaptive Resource Engineering Quantity Surveyor: Brian Heineberg & Associates Facades (glass + ACP): Façade Solutions Polycarb façade supplier: Danpal Polycarb façade installer: MRC Group Lift Consultant: Solutions for Elevating Steel Subcontractor : Cadcon

Subsequently, under a full consulting team, the building is significantly upgraded. Key features include the futureproofing of the development by adding fire-escape stairs from the ground floor to the roof, allowing for a greater building density without any attendant risk.

A new identity was needed for what was referred to as the “old Discovery building” and the goal was to achieve this in a cost-effective yet impactful manner, especially considering that 155 West Street is located in a prominent space close to key Sandton landmarks.

Spectacular façade cladding

Muller explained that together with the new composite aluminium façade cladding, the use of new materials was also explored. The new entrance and atrium addition is a three-storey high steel structure with a polycarbonate and glass façade.

‘It is the first time that this polycarbonate material has been used on such a scale in South Africa, which by itself posed a challenge and was spectacular,’ he says. volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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PROFESSIONS LANDSCAPE AND HERITAGE ARCHITECTURE

OxGlen buildings show respect for heritage An interesting chance find by a member of the public some years back has led to a happy outcome for both natural landscape and heritage architecture.

The Heritage Register and Renderings by LYT Architecture

T

he two newest buildings in the OxGlen precinct, located on the increasingly vibrant intersection of Oxford and Glenhove roads in Rosebank, are complete and targeting a 4-Star Green Star SA Office v1.1 Design rating from the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA).

Perhaps best known for the impressive slanted glass facade on Oxford Road, the precinct is now home to Coca-Cola and Sappi’s new South African headquarters.

The newest buildings, known as OxGlen Block 3 and Block 4, are located between these offices and have incorporated many of their best performing features, together with some of their architectural details. Senior sustainable building consultant at Solid Green Consulting, Annelide Sherratt, explains that the Green Star process was managed as one Multiple Building certification.

34

In addition to the development’s considerable green building attributes, which include the project targeting innovation points for financial transparency, a purposeful “new business as usual” approach has benefitted the outdoor environment and gives a nod of respect for the heritage aspects of the area.

Thanks to the Gautrain servitude, which runs below Oxford Road, the buildings are set far back from the street. Rather than privatising the space and closing it off to the public, the developer chose to include green spaces and coffee shops to boost opportunities for passive surveillance and enjoyment of the urban environment.

Landscaping measures

Taking pride of place in the courtyard of one of the new buildings is a majestic Pin Oak tree, which is estimated

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PROFESSIONS LANDSCAPE AND HERITAGE ARCHITECTURE

to be over 100 years old and had to be protected.

Sherratt explains that respect for the tree played a large part in the design of the precinct, and it forms the focal point for sightlines and walkways through and around the buildings. Preservation of the tree also extended underground, where its ancient roots meant that the entire basement had to be designed around it.

‘This wasn’t always easy,’ adds John Barrow, of the developers, Barrow Properties. ‘The site shares a common super-basement and making the various levels work posed a complicated but interesting challenge to the professional team.’

Ordinarily trees are celebrated for their beauty and ability to produce the oxygen we breathe as well as the social and psychological benefits they bring. In Johannesburg, especially, they are even more treasured as the city prides itself on being one of the largest manmade urban forests in the world.

Heritage

While sometimes posing challenges to development, the Oxford-Glenhove precinct has respected its history and heritage. During phase 1, a historic trigonometrical beacon that had become covered by grass and rubble, was exposed and restored. While it may simply look like an old round concrete pillar to most, it dates back to around 1897, when it was erected to mark the intersection of three of the historic farms of Johannesburg; Braamfontein, Klipfontein (now Houghton) and Syferfontein (now Melrose). It now forms a prominent part of the landscaping of the precinct along Oxford Road and is even a geocache location.

Around 1897, it is thought that the owner of the farm Syferfontein, HB Marshall, wanted to clearly indicate the

border of his farm and organised that a beacon (that looks like a trig beacon) be erected at the border between three farms – Syferfontein, Braamfontein and Klipfontein.

At the time, that point was in Oxford Road and when the road was built, it was moved to the pavement along the same land-surveying lines. Over decades, the beacon became forgotten. [Source: www.geocaching.com] The owners of the property worked with their professional team and moved the original beacon from the pavement to a prominent spot in the gardens of the OxGlen complex. The beacon now displays a sign showing the prior boundaries of the three agricultural properties.

It was reported in The Star newspaper in 2017 that Werner Kirchoff, who lives in Melrose and is a retired professional land surveyor, discovered the old beacon in 2014, after it had been buried under grass for many years.

In earlier times, Kirchoff said that, as a child, he used to see the beacon during his daily bus ride.

The original beacon is an ordinary rather grey looking old round concrete block but does have considerable historical significance. The new owners of the property have now marked the significance of the beacon by erecting a small memorial with an information plaque detailing its background.

On this project, Clive Jearey, architectural director at LYT Architecture, comments that he particularly enjoyed being able to consider the whole block as an opportunity to create an interconnected series of buildings, with shared landscaping and street furniture that contribute to a compelling urban fabric. Each block is designed as sectional title and offices are arranged around open, landscaped courtyards that allow the buildings to connect to nature. volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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PROFESSIONS CONSTRUCTION HEALTH & SAFETY

Calling all built environment professionals Is there light at the end of the tunnel for health and safety in construction into the next decade, asks Claire Deacon, PhD (Construction Management) Pr.CHSA? ACHASM

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hile the requirements relating to health and safety (H&S) have always applied to any industry, the “formal” introduction was in 2003, with the introduction of the Construction Regulations. Since then, the introduction of a new category of built environment H&S professional in 2013, with the statutory body, the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professionals (SACPCMP).

Has legislation changed anything? If you had to ask any of my colleagues who are registered with the SACPCMP what, if any, changes or improvements have been notable since 2003, you are not likely to get a very positive response. Sure, the increase in attention has been visible, but mainly at contractor level. At client level and other built environment professions (BEPs) such as architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, not much at all.

The Department of Employment and Labour focuses on contractors, UIF and employment equity. All very important aspects of human rights and equal opportunity.

But what about the proactive part of early interventions and designing out risk? Such issues should be driven from client and BEPs, where real change can be made and be seen in the reduction of risk, disease and fatalities on projects.

The Association of Construction H&S Management (ACHASM) has been in existence for 11 years, with me, Prof John Smallwood and Rowland Adams as Directors, and Yasmeen Fort as our Registrar. ACHASM is a recognised voluntary association (VA) with the SACPCMP and participates at a number of levels to represent the H&S sector. I serve on both statutory councils, namely the SACPCMP and the Council for the Built Environment (CBE). Although my background is H&S, all counsellors represent the interest of all categories across the built environment. We, as ACHASM, chair the BEP Grouping, which has the business interest of all BEPs at heart, those

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Dr. Claire Deacon.

aspects which the statutory councils are not mandated to do.

ACHASM runs very notable and challenging two-day symposia/workshops and other training sessions for H&S that dovetail into all the categories of membership, as well as the BEPs and other VAs. Local chapter meetings are held that highlight aspects that we have identified as gaps in knowledge and practice. We will be soon adding webinars to increase our audience and participation outside of city centres.

Will all the statutory changes and attention make a difference into this decade? There is still much work to do, and we often feel like lonely voices preaching to the converted. Change needs action, personal accountability, a moral standing and ethical, professional behaviour. ACHASM leadership will continue the rally for construction H&S at every opportunity. We will continue to further our cause and challenge the country’s leadership, the industry and the BEPs. We invite all BEPs to join us!

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PROFESSIONS CONSTRUCTION ERGONOMICS

International Ergonomics Association (IEA): Building & Construction Technical Committee Construction ergonomics is a discipline that is receiving much international attention. We asked Prof John Smallwood of the Nelson Mandela University (NMU), who serves as Chair of the Building and Construction Technical committee, to fill us in.

NMU,& Gareth Griffiths & MichaelGaida/Pixabay & Skeeze/Pixabay

By Professor John Smallwood, Department of Construction Management, Nelson Mandela University

The establishment of the IEA

The founding of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA) was preceded by discussions made at several meetings and initiatives on the part of various individuals.

The Ergonomics Research Society (ERS) founded in England in 1949, held various events that had a major influence on the founding of the IEA. The European Productivity Agency (EPA) founded in 1953, initiated a project entitled “Fitting the Task to the Worker”, which drew the attention of people who later played key roles in founding the IEA. A decision to explore the feasibility of an international association was made at an EPA seminar held in Leyden, Holland, in 1957. In 1959, the steering (preparatory) committee of the future IEA, which was held in conjunction with the ERS symposium, decided on the founding of the IEA. In 1961, the first meeting of the IEA’s General Assembly was held in Stockholm, Sweden. This meeting formally

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PROFESSIONS CONSTRUCTION ERGONOMICS

completed the preparatory phase of the association and started the regular activities of the IEA. In 1967, the IEA became the association of federated societies worldwide, ending the period when the IEA was a society of individuals.

In 2011, the IEA became an international not-for-profit organisation in Zürich (Switzerland).

Mission and goals

The mission of the IEA is to elaborate and advance ergonomics science and practice, and to expand its scope of application and contribution to society to improve the quality of life, working closely with its constituent societies and related international organisations.

The main goals of the IEA are to: develop more effective communication and • collaboration with federated societies • advance the science and practice of ergonomics at an international level, and enhance the contribution of the ergonomics • discipline to global society.

Building and Construction Technical Committee (TC)

This is one of 28 committees. The objectives of this TC are to: • stimulate research and best practices in construction ergonomics • stimulate the publication of scientific articles in the area of construction ergonomics • support a network of experts, who work partly or completely for the construction industry in any of the sub fields of ergonomics, and • participate and/or organise collaborative events for researchers and practitioners in academia and industry to share recent results of projects, focussing on the: • effectiveness of ergonomic measures, and • effectiveness of implementation strategies e.g. knowledge dissemination, adoption of ergonomic measures, commitment of stakeholders such as architects, principals, and main contractors.

This TC focuses on human factors in the construction industry, which is affected by a high incidence of musculoskeletal disorders, injuries and fatalities worldwide.

Reflecting the international nature of the problem, ergonomists and researchers participate from all over the world. The TC organises a symposium at the triennial IEA Congresses.

The IEA 2021 Congress is scheduled for 13-18 June 2021, in Vancouver, Canada.

Professor John Smallwood john.smallwood@mandela.ac.za + 27(0)83 659 2492 www.iea.cc volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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PROFESSIONS CONSTRUCTION

Tower crane sales an indicator of recovery?

This is the third in a series of articles in this edition of To Build, which show confidence in the future for the construction community.

Crane & Hoist Equipment SA

The Crane & Hoist Equipment SA team jacking a Potain MD 208A tower crane in Menlyn, Pretoria.

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he state of the economy of any country is often put down to the number of cranes and other large capital equipment visible on the skyline of any major city.

Indeed, USA-based major construction consulting firm, Rider Levett Bucknall, uses an arm’s length count of the amount of visible equipment as the basis for its RLB Crane Index.

Meanwhile, in South Africa, the number of cranes on the skyline of many cities has dropped and also the depressed state of construction in our country has meant that tower cranes are usually rented rather than purchased, but there is a chance this trend may start changing this year, argues a well-known distributor of on-site building infrastructure..

The South African company, Crane & Hoist Equipment SA, is the local distributor for global tower crane leader Potain. Its MD, Brenden Crous, shares his opinion with To Build.

‘Rental makes up most of our business at the moment, but customers will start buying again when the sector starts recovering, hopefully later this year, says Crous.

He notes that there are already about 200 Potain cranes active in South Africa, making it an established brand with a loyal following. Producing cranes since 1928, Potain has sold over 120 000 cranes into the global market.

Formed in 2017, Crane & Hoist Equipment SA has already had a busy few years. Its rental fleet serves projects with up to 8-ton lifting requirements and a 50 to 60 metre reach. Its appointment last year as Potain distributor is testament to its experience and skills, says Crous.

‘Our management team has a combined four decades of hands-on familiarity with Potain cranes,’ he says.

‘Likewise, our staff have been selected for their equivalent levels of experience with tower cranes.’

Distributor expertise is vital to customers, says David Semple, Senior Vice-President at Manitowoc, the owner of Potain. The company awards distribution rights only where the depth of product knowledge and proficiency has been demonstrated, says Semple.

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Register

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he Joint Building Contracts Committee® NPC (JBCC®) was registered in 1997 as a Non Profit Company. The Committee is representative of building owners and developers, professional consultants and general and specialist contractors who contribute their knowledge and experiences to the compilation of the JBCC® documents that: • portray the consensus view of the constituent members; • are published in the interests of standardisation and good practice; and • suitable for use throughout Africa - and elsewhere!

Periodic revisions of the JBCC® contract documentation suite guarantee that documentation remains current. The latest JBCC Ed 6.2 May 2018 Agreements were meticulously drafted to ensure an equitable distribution of contractual risk and if properly managed will secure the successful outcome of most building projects All JBCC® documents have been approved by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and is the preferred documentation for use by the private sector and national, provincial and local authorities in South Africa

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PROFESSIONS ASAQS STATEMENT

A word from ASAQS on the JBCC The Joint Building Contracts Committee® (JBCC) recently made changes to the JBCC® suite of building contracts. This summary is not exhaustive as there are also differences in the text of a number of clauses without impacting on their meaning. The main aim of bringing out a new edition is to correct errors in the previous edition. It was thought it could be done in a few months, but in the end, it took the subcommittee almost three years.

Changes requested by the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS)

Definition of Agreement The defined term “agreement” is used throughout the JBCC principal building agreement (PBA), the contract data (CD) and in Bill No.1 (Preliminaries). There may be documents, other than the PBA and the CD, which could be included in the agreement, even if not specifically listed in the CD The definitions related to the request have been changed as follows:

‘Agreement: The completed JBCC® Principal Building Agreement and JBCC® contract data, the contract drawings, the priced document and any other documents reduced to writing and signed by the authorised representatives of the parties.’

As a result, the definition of “contract documents” was deleted. The definition of “priced document” has changed to include “preliminaries” as follows: Priced document: The document incorporating quantities and/or rates used in the compilation of the contract sum such as bills of quantities, preliminaries and schedules of rates. volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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PROFESSIONS ASAQS STATEMENT

Precedence (sub clause 5.6 of edition 6.1) Bill No.1 (Preliminaries) is project specific and should therefore take precedence. Sub clause 5.6 of edition 6.1 indicated the opposite as it was worded: ‘The contract documents shall be deemed to be mutually explanatory of one another. In the event of ambiguity, discrepancy, divergence or inconsistency in or between them, this agreement shall prevail over all other contract documents.’

This sub clause was deleted.

Employer to identify services connections Sub clause 12.1.5 (edition 6.1) stated: ‘The employer shall identify access to water, sewer, stormwater and/or electricity connections to the site [CD]’ Claims against the employer are possible should the party representing the employer not realise the implications of this clause. This subclause was deleted.

Statutory and other notices Sub clause 12.1.6 of edition 6.1 read: ‘The employer shall list statutory and other notices the contractor must submit and/or comply with before possession of the site can be given.’

All parties are to comply with statutory and other notices they are responsible for. Should this clause not be complied with it could lead to claims against the employer. This subclause was deleted Contract data Clause B15.0 of edition 6.1 stated that: ‘The amendments contained herein or in the single referenced Annexure constitute the only amendments to the standard JBCC Agreement that will apply. No other amendments shall be of any force or effect’. This has been changed to read: ‘Reference may be made to other documents forming part of this agreement.’

Payment and adjustment of preliminaries CD clauses D3.0 and D4.0 have been reworded and lump sum contracts are now included. The problem with payment of preliminaries (Option B) where the contractor has fallen behind programme, was solved by adding: ‘Payment of the time-based charge shall be adjusted from time to time as may be necessary to take into account the progress of the works’ Objecting to the final account Previously the contractor had to “give reasons” for objecting to the final account, but in edition 6.1 it was left out. The words “with reasons” have been reinstated (subclause 26.11).

General Preliminaries: JBCC took over the publication of this document (see JBCC’s website for free copy).

Social media: Electronic mail now excludes notices using “social media” (subclause 2.4.2).

Definitions: Compensatory and default interest are now defined.

Definition for “mora interest” was deleted.

As other countries have different methods of tax calculation, the definition of TAX now reads, ‘Valueadded tax, general sales tax or similar consumption tax applicable by law’.

Offer and acceptance: Subclause 3.4 in edition 6.1 was shortened to read: ‘Should any provision of this agreement be unenforceable the parties shall act in good faith to agree alternative provisions in terms of this agreement.’

Insurances: Changes to the insurance provisions have been introduced Builder’s lien: The term “waiver of lien” is extended to include “... or right of continuing possession of the works” (subclauses 11.10 and 25.14.2).

Penalty: Subclause 24.2 now makes it clear that penalties shall be applied “on instruction from the employer”.

Payment for materials ‘off site’: The clause dealing with the payment for materials ‘off site’ was not transferred to edition 6.1. It has now been re-inserted in subclauses 25.4.1 – 3.

Period for issue and acceptance of final account: The periods are now given in working and not calendar days (subclauses 26.10, 11). This overcomes the problem where these periods fall over the annual contractor’s holidays.

International use: Constituent members’ names were removed. Currency to be indicated in the CD. The previous reference to the “Association of Arbitrators (Southern Africa)” is replaced by “… a local recognised body …” (subclause 30.10).

Documentation updated or created

• Supplementary forms • N/S Subcontract Agreement and CD • Minor Works Agreement and CD • Bill No.1 (Preliminaries) for PBA and MWA • Project Specific Preliminaries for PBA and MWA

Other changes

Disclaimer clause: A disclaimer clause has been inserted in all edition 6.2 documentation.

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PROFESSIONS DESIGN

Siyanda Mbele, designer Siyanda Mbele, acclaimed Design Indaba 2020 designer, was born in Umlazi 29 years ago.

Michelle Reynolds, Njabula Magubane, Simanga Zondo and Siyanda Mbele

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is interest in design started young.

When in high school he majored in mechanical technology to be a car designer.

‘Nkululeko (sibling) is the original artist in the family and had an impeccable illustration artistic style. I used to watch him draw all the time. One day my father told Nkululeko to give me pencil and paper so I could also learn to draw. He gave me a crash course on how to draw. After that, I was addicted,’ says Mbele.

‘To interpret an idea is a rewardingly frustrating process. Joy comes when the idea becomes tangible and the design application serves a function.

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PROFESSIONS INTERIOR DESIGN

‘Design and art originates in Africa; the earliest traces through written literature in Egypt being in the forefront of art and design. It’s unfortunate that other parts of Africa’s authentic literature were not documented and preserved. It’s important for us to use art and design as a tool to restore our culture, and preserve, update and develop to suit us at as an African standard,’ he says.

As a designer, despite admitting to a love/hate relationship with the discipline, Mbele says he would not think of doing anything else.

‘Even in the toughest times, no other career option comes to mind but interior design,’ he says.

However, he does admit a preference for furniture design.

Mbele was part of the SABS Design Incubation Programme which started towards the end of 2014 and eventually started trading as Pinda Designs.

Pinda outsources their production, teaming up with

multiple manufacturers around Durban. Materials are sourced locally and internationally.

‘Designs are inspired by African cultures from rituals, practices, ceremonies and symbols, which form part of cultural patterns. More specifically, South African cultures.

Because I can relate to this more, I know through my family that we are culturally aware. It’s important to restore our culture. We have been sold the idea that African cultures are too much or not good enough compared to Western culture. Because of apartheid, the spaces we navigate don’t reflect the people, but by bringing in our own culture we can restore and educate because symbolism carries meaning - it’s not just patterns’, he explains.

‘We are designing more homes and offices, and we are also in the early stages of developing a lighting range.

We have a very open-minded approach, so even projects we thought were not within our scope, we accommodate and explore,’ Mbele adds.

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PROFESSIONS DESIGNER AND COMMUNITY ARCHITECT

Community architect and designer, Kevin Kimwelle, in the Portswood District of the V&A Waterfront. In the background is the V&A ‘Octopus Garden’, a food garden built using ecobricks as advised by the Ecobrick Exchange.

Community architectural designer for circular economy Kevin Kimwelle is a Kenyan-born architect and concept-driven designer. Having travelled to various countries in Africa, Kimwelle observed that many examples of modern architecture do not uplift the communities in which they are built, being commercially-driven projects instead.

He is a speaker at the Design Indaba, Cape Town. [ Ref: www.designindaba.com ] Gareth Griffiths

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Build’s editor met Kimwelle on site at the V&A Waterfront where he is assisting to bring his unique recycled glass bottle design concept into mainstream building development at The Ridge, a new commercial eco-building under development in the Waterfront.

Kimwelle believes that a building should facilitate ongoing growth to the people who use it, especially young people. He led the redesign of the Joe Slovo West Community Project in the Joe Slovo Township,

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Port Elizabeth, which was completed in September 2015. The walls of the children’s preschool were constructed using approximately 1 500 discarded wine bottles, reflecting Kimwelle’s cost-effective and environmentally conscious approach to building design.

He has an ongoing association with the Indalo World NGO, which operates in the holistic sustainable development space.

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PROFESSIONS DEVELOPMENT IN P.E.

Raising the residential bar in PE Buyers in the market for either a first or a new home, are becoming more and more discerning about the quality of construction and lifestyle offering when compared with only price.

AMDEC

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he top residential estates in South Africa have traditionally offered added value in terms of design and space, communal gardens and parks, location and maintenance, as well as security and sporting facilities. Added value comes from the addition of on-site schools and amenities such as shops and office space.

In general this quality offering has only really been seen in high-end estates, for example Zimbali in Durban, Fancourt in George, Val de Vie in Franschhoek and Steyn City in Johannesburg.

Lately, a comparable degree of quality is now expected in more affordable estates as well. There are a number of developments coming on board with new offerings that make the mark.

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Among the new estates that look towards this level of quality is the 230-hectare Victoria Country Club development in Pietermaritzburg. It will feature a nature reserve, golf club, sports club house and restaurant, along with walking and cycling trails, priced from R1.5 million.

Just outside Cape Town, near fast-growing Somerset West, Sitari Country Estate is also expected to fall into the high-appreciation category. With a central park running through the complex connecting a range of 3 150 apartments (R1.395 million) and houses (R3 million) to a country clubhouse, the development hosts a Curro school, which is up and running, and a shopping complex.

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PROFESSIONS DEVELOPMENT IN P.E.

These developments are not exclusively located close to South Africa’s largest metropolitan cities – Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban - but now also cities such as Port Elizabeth.

Amdec developers, with their Westbrook estate, has entered the market with similar high quality, value-formoney offerings. According to the developer, the site is already showing returns for investors: one unit that sold for R995 000 in the first phase of the development two years ago, recently sold for R1.21 million – an appreciation of 10%, far beating annual property growth figures.

‘Among the many reasons that Westbrook is doing so well in spite of a tough housing market, is that the

development has broken the mould of other more traditional counterparts in PE by “taking the townhouse feel” out of the estate,’ says Clifford Oosthuizen, Managing Director of Westbrook.

‘Within a typical townhouse development, all the units look the same from the roof colour to walls or finishes,’ notes Oosthuizen. ‘At Westbrook, we’ve made all the units different, giving the entire development a more residential suburb feel.’

In fact, the Westbrook development team have shied away from the use of the word “complex” entirely, and refer instead to 9 different “villages” that will ultimately be part of the estate.

However, it also has all the security of a gated townhouse complex, with a perimeter fence around the entire estate and 86 security cameras.

It also has a 5km track where residents can walk, run or cycle, parks and amenities such as a Curro school. Being implemented are “village-like” amenities, including the Westbrook Town Square that will offer medical facilities along with retail and premium office space.

Progress for PE indeed. The photos do not lie! volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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PROFESSIONS ENGINEERING

Addressing corrosion in wastewater plants Corrosion-resistant floor grating and hand railing solutions are indicated for use in the wastewater treatment (WWT) industry. These include mild steel galvanised, 304 stainless steel, 3CR12 stainless steel and fibreglass options; all ideally suited to the extreme conditions in wastewater facilities.

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he presence of air-borne hydrogen sulphide (H2S) can cause severe corrosion in WWT plants, which means the correct material must be selected for key infrastructure.

Hydrogen sulphide is an aggressive gas, provoking acid corrosion, called hydrogen sulphide corrosion.

Reacting with water, a natural ingredient of any WWT plans, it forms sulphuric acid and releases a significant amount of molecular hydrogen gas, which penetrates into steel and cases severe damage. Sulphuric acid on its own is a danger to most common metals.

Wastewater can become anaerobic or septic as it travels through sewer lines, due to metabolic processes in the microbes it contains. When dissolved, oxygen becomes depleted in this way, certain sulphur-reducing bacteria thrive and produce the corrosive H2S. Among the most common steel infrastructure elements in wastewater plants are floor grating and hand railings. Of these, ordinary steel and even some grades of zinc-plated steel are highly susceptible to acid attack.

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Floor grating and hand railing in the WWTW sector.

Stainless steel far more resistant to chemical attack

Fortunately, a commercially viable workaround to this problem comes in the supply of railings and other infrastructure elements made of stainless steel, which is far more resistant to chemical attack.

We asked Lance Quinlan, national Technical Sales Consultant at Mentis, to comment. He notes that safety is a primary concern in WWT facilities, especially where there may be toxic conditions within wastewater conveyance and treatment facilities He further mentions that certain grades of galvanised mild steel, 304 stainless steel, 3CR12 stainless steel and fibreglass options are all acceptable solutions to ensure the safety of plant workers under the extreme conditions in wastewater facilities. ‘These products are designed and engineered to suit situations like these, where the strength to weight ratio is important,’ Quinlan says. Mentis Rectagrid RS40 40/40 floor grating, for example, is engineered with a pressure

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PROFESSIONS ENGINEERING

Floor grating is manufactured using a pressure locking system.

locking system that guarantees the structural integrity of the product.

Quinlan points out that the transversals on the floor grating are permanently locked to the bearer bars. The locking method at the intersections is designed to use the full depth of the bearer bar when calculating loads.

‘Load-bearing capacity needs to be prioritised in the design and manufacturing of these products,’ he says.

Quinlan highlights that vapours, water and chemicals can create slick underfoot and handhold conditions for operators and technicians. Moreover, this hazard can occur near large machinery and tanks. This creates a considerable safety risk where hand railings and floor gratings are weakened by corrosion and damp.

In addition to using corrosion-resistant material, the stainless steel tubular hand railing systems need to be designed so that moisture drains from the stanchion itself.

‘Our galvanised stanchions measure 42.8mm diameter by 2.5mm wall thickness. The 3CR12 or 304 stainless steel options – polished to a satin finish – are 44.5mm diameter and 2mm wall thickness,’ says Quinlan.

Quinlan stresses the importance of giving individual attention to each wastewater application before products are specified.

Stainless steel tubular hand railing.

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PROFESSIONS FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

OCFM recognised At last, a qualification has been developed by a training provider and accredited by the sector SETA aimed at equipping facility managers with the skills and knowledge called for by their profession that is practical, cutting-edge and relevant, as well as being internationally recognised.

Pixabay

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he training provider, Afroteq Academy, already a SETA accredited training organisation, has obtained accreditation by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupation for its new Occupational Certificate in Facilities Management (OCFM).

Afroteq was the first training provider to be accredited by the Southern African Facilities Management Association (SAFMA) in 2002.

Explaining the significance of this approval, Portia Mkhabela, Manager at the Afroteq Academy, says the facilities management landscape has become highly specialised and competitive in recent years.

‘No longer regarded as a basement job, facility management is a fast-growing profession around the world. Trained and qualified FM managers are in high demand, and we realised the importance of offering an academic qualification that would not only equip our industry leaders with skills and knowledge that are practical, cutting-edge and relevant, but would also be internationally recognised,’ she says.

The process of developing such a formal qualification for the FM industry was set in motion by SAFMA two years

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ago and the service provider participated in a team of FM experts who developed the outcomes-based programme specifically for the industry, by the industry.

‘Facilities Managers enable sustainable enterprise performance through managing productive workplaces and ensuring effective business support services. As a result, they are required to juggle many different responsibilities on any given day, enabling the strategic objectives of the business. Facilities Managers must understand and have insight into a company’s operational and strategic elements for them to plan and execute their responsibilities effectively and optimally. For this reason, it was important for us to have a qualification developed that would equip Facilities Managers with the skills and knowledge needed to face their challenges head-on and with confidence,’ says John Samuel, in charge of Professionalisation, Education and Training at SAFMA. The Occupational Certificate in FM Management is a two-year course, NQF level 6, broken up into six modules.

Each module is taught over a period of five days a module (10 days for module 4) and can either take place at a client’s premises or at a central training venue.

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PROFESSIONS PROFESSIONAL COMPLIANCE

Dealing with errant professionals With many state entities failing, rampant corruption not only in the public sector but the private sector too, just how do we deal with registered professionals who have crossed to the other side? Do we punish them, suspend them, or is rehabilitation an option? To Build asked our legal eagle, Advocate Bryan Hack, to comment.

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he television coverage of criminal trials would have made many readers familiar with the courts’ views regarding the purposes of punishment. Often quoted are the words of the judge in State v Rabie 1975 (4) SA 855 (A) where the Appellate division (as it was then called), now the Supreme Court of Appeal, reiterated that the main purposes of punishment are deterrent, preventative, reformative and retributive.

The court quoted a Scottish author on the law as follows1: ‘The retributive theory finds the justification for punishment in a past act, a wrong which requires punishment or expiation... The other theories, reformative, preventive and deterrent, all find their justification in the future, in the good that will be produced as a result of the punishment.’

The Appeal court went on to say that it is therefore not surprising that the judge in an earlier case2 observed that, ‘the retributive aspect has tended to yield ground to the aspects of prevention and correction’.

So too I have observed, in my professional sphere, the application of the above. When it comes to applying the punitive terms of professional codes of conduct applicable to the legal fraternity there, has been a focus on the future role of a practitioner rather than merely focusing on his or her past sins.

In my respectful view, this is a salutary approach, to be adopted in all professions. It is of course of prime importance to protect the public from any failings of any professional to maintain the highest standards applicable to the profession. It is self-evident that an attorney must not steal from his trust fund, a doctor must adhere to proper procedures when dealing with patients and an engineer must follow established principles of building standards and codes to ensure a safe environment to all who use a structure. At the same token all humans are

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fallible. Mistakes do occur. Errors are made, even lapses in good judgment.

While there will always be a place for punishment and, in appropriate circumstances, the removal of a professional from the potential of creating more harm, it is necessary to recognize the need to place sufficient emphasis on rehabilitation. This is particularly so in a country where skills are scarce. It is a notorious truth that South Africa has a skills shortage for many reasons. One such reason is the limited available resources to educate.

I would therefore proffer the view that all professional codes of conduct should contain a significant emphasis and procedure, wherever possible and reasonable, to rehabilitate an errant member with appropriate training.

To again use the example that I am familiar with, an attorney whose conduct does not conform to the required standards, can be required to attend accounting or practice management courses or even a fresh course in professional ethics. I think it reasonable to assume similar provisions can be incorporated in all professional codes of conduct.

Advocate Bryan Hack currently serves as an Acting Judge in the High Court, Cape Town Bench. He writes for To Build in a spontaneous and unrewarded capacity, in the interest of furthering the cause of the law in the built environment community. He can be contacted on hack@capebar.co.za

References: 1. Gordon, Criminal Law of Scotland, (1967) at p. 50: 2. R. v Karg, 1961 (1) SA 231 (AD) at p. 236A,

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BUILDING SYSTEMS CLASSY KITCHENS

Five ideas for classy kitchens To Build’s editor scoured the internet globally, looking for some grand ideas for those most essential of spaces, the kitchen. Seabring Design’s website was a source of inspiration for our humble editor. [Ref https://sebringdesignbuild.com] Martin Meyer, Kitchen Studio, Miele and Allison Gillett/Pixabay

Trend one: Smart kitchens

Gareth Griffiths

New refrigerators that can alert you when your grocery items are running low or a coffee maker programmed to have your coffee ready when you wake up, or a device that monitors egg quality in the refrigerator, these are other easy but expensive retrofits. But we are not talking cheap kitchens here!

An easy one is the updating of the home lighting system, allowing the smart device to control all lighting.

Trend two: Darken your cabinet doors!

Miele smart device.

Technology has entered the kitchen in full force and not just in the form of fancy gadgets and appliances. Today, you can have a kitchen with technology integrated into every function and appliance, including the taps and lighting. Designers agree, this is a smart kitchen.

Technology integrated kitchens are becoming more popular as homeowners experiment with novel technologies. This is one of the biggest trends of the new decade.

Smart kitchens are an evolving aspect of design. In fact, many new kitchens are being built smart from the start. For older kitchens, sensors, smart gadgets and the like can be retrofitted. The property owner will soon reap the rewards. [Ref: Houseace idea aggregation platform] For example, an easy add-on would be motion sensorequipped kitchen taps that can sense the presence of hands underneath and will turn on automatically, or try a one-touch feature, loadshedding notwithstanding!

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House Meyer by Martin Meyer Kitchens JHB, courtesy the KSA.

Although white cabinets are a classic look that can be used in almost any type of kitchen style, they are reported to be on the decline during 2020.

Breaking up the all-white kitchen, are islands in a variety of different paint colours or wood stains. The mixing of finishes creates an accent piece and additional pops of colour for the brave of heart.

These pops of colors will be most popular in shades of blue and green. In addition to these neutral nature shades, is another colour palette that is making its way

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into the kitchen – dark jewel tones: black, navy, emerald green and even plum. It will surprise you, say the experts, at how well dark kitchen cabinets can work to enhance a kitchen space with its dramatic and luxurious feel.

Trend three: Streamlined designs and textures

While styles like farmhouse and mid-century modern are still popular, homeowners are getting more streamlined in their overall aesthetic, designs and alternative materials for kitchens.

Everybody wants come home to a stress-free environment. This often distills down to simplicity. Simple looks are all about modern clean lines. They will continue to be a huge hit throughout 2020.

Trend four: Lose the cabinets!

Yes, even removing upper wall cabinets has become a growing trend in the last few years. It has the effect of opening up visual space, making the kitchen appear much larger and brighter. It also allows you to use the countertop space more productively.

Hint: Most people can’t reach what is on the top shelves of the cabinetry anyway. (Our Editor has been known to use a pair of braai tongs to reach food objects on the top shelf and he is over 6 foot!)

Open shelves would be a great alternative if the added storage space is needed or a focal point element was desired.

Don’t make it boring - use materials with texture. In the case of open shelving, deeply rough-cut wood brings in natural elements or metal tubing for a more industrial feeling.

Floor tiles in a natural stone or backsplash tiles that are sculpted, beveled, or stacked, make for a perfect focal point. These interesting textures are very different to the usual polished or glossy finishes we see everywhere.

A ceiling treatment can bring in that added emphasis.

You can add coffered, tray, and wood beams to give that feel.

Trend five: Quartz it

At the top end, quartz countertops have it all. The material is extremely hardy, can last virtually forever, and is virtually maintenance free and germ free. Granite, on the other hand, can require slightly more maintenance, say the experts.

Thanks to technology and innovation, manufacturers have provided a wide range of colours to choose from as well as realistic stone patterns.

Kitchen Studio in KZN courtesy KSA.

These can even include swirl patterns and veining to imitate other materials like natural stone. But there is a notable trend among quartz specifiers toward softer and more neutral colors.

And don’t forget composite sinks made from the same material as the countertop. This creates a cleaner uniform look and makes cleaning and maintenance much easier. Let the battle against stainless steel begin.

Trend six: Incorporate the great outdoors

Semi-outdoor kitchen.

I think this has been a common feature in SA for a long time, but finally it seems like international property owners are connecting the kitchen to an outdoor space or patio. Hint: By installing a glass door in your kitchen, you can easily connect these two spaces in your home. volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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BUILDING SYSTEMS KITCHENS

Kitchen Specialists 2020 Established in 1989 by members of the kitchen industry, the Kitchen Specialists Association is a non-profit organisation managed by regional committees in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, and overseen by a national committee.

KSA

Location 1 by Tosca Kitchens in Cape Town.

S

tephanie Forbes, the National Manager of the Kitchen Specialists Association (KSA) gives us an update.

SA Furniture Initiative

2020 has started with a series of very important industry engagements – the SAFI (South African Furniture Initiative) workshops. These workshops, designed to get vital industry input for the development of an industry master plan to government, were of vast importance to the South African kitchen and furniture industry.

The KSA attended the events in Cape Town, Gauteng and KZN. They were very well facilitated and generated valuable dialogue and input for the master plan facilitators.

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SAFI/KSA Johannesburg.

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BUILDING SYSTEMS KITCHENS

KSA are very proud to be part of this process. We believe it is time for the South African kitchen industry to stand up and speak for their industry and help in the process of fixing the problems that have put so much pressure on it. It is vital for key industry players to now actively be part of the solutions rather than just pointing out the problems.

We would like to thank Bernadette Isaacs of SAFI for all her hard work on this project. Valuable connections with the DTI were made and we are actively looking into engagement with the DTI to get greater clarity for our members on available subsidies and BBBEE.

Training

After many months of preparation, the KSA sales skills workshop was ready for its first students. The threehour workshop was well received by the participants.

The course covered everything from how to use your KSA membership as a sales tool, to LSM architypes, selling psychology, showroom sales spaces and good salesperson habits. The course will be offered again in Cape Town shortly and we hope to be able to offer it in Johannesburg and KZN before the end of the year.

Industry showcase

12 February saw KSA Cape Town hold their first ever industry showcase. Based on successful similar events in Gauteng and KZN, the Cape Town version was hosted

by Grass in Montague Gardens and showcased 13 KSA suppliers. The IID and Decorex were also part of the day, helping to make it a true industry networking event.

The hosts included Grass, Caesarstone, Upper Edge Products, PG Bison, National Edging, Sonae Arauco, Kwikot, Roco Fittings, Niemann SA, Franke, Salvocorp, Cosentino and Articad.

There was an overall festival atmosphere and over the course of the day more than 200 members of the kitchen, interior and building industry joined us. It was very motivational to see such good connections being made. Congratulations to Carmen Howard, the KSA Cape Town regional representative on such a successful event.

We have also started the year by updating our members with some new documentation - a standard warranty advisory/ guideline and an advisory notice on the dangers of silica in the stone fabrication industry.

Bookings are already open for our Port Elizabeth bowls day to be held on 31 March at Millard’s Place Bowling Club from 12.00pm. For more information or to book, contact Kerryn on kzn@ksa.co.za. Bookings are also open for our Cape Town golf day. This will be held at the River Club on 18 March from 1pm. For information on booking or sponsoring prizes or a hole, contact Carmen on westerncape@ksa.co.za Don’t forget to visit us at Decorex Durban at the Durban Exhibition Grounds from 19-22 March and Decorex Cape Town at the CTICC from 30 April–3 May. Kitchen Specialists Association www.ksa.co.za

ProReno by Proreno kitchens in Johannesburg.

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BUILDING SYSTEMS DOORS

Essentials for industrial roll-up doors The well-being of personnel and suppliers is extremely important and plays a defining role in complementing the motivation of people in the workplace. Given the special focus in this edition of To Build on health and safety, we asked a supplier of industrial roll-up doors what makes for a door that enhances both worker safety and productivity.

Apex

The high-tech Smart Reset roll-up door provide safe and rapid access and effective insulation in spaces.

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ccess between areas within a facility and between the facility and its exterior plays a large part in achieving a balance between safety and productivity, says Wim Dessing, Sales Executive at Apex Strip Curtains & Doors.

Self-repairing is necessary

‘Our high-tech Smart Reset roll-up doors from Apex Strip Curtains & Doors provide safe and rapid access as well as effective insulation in production plants, retail facilities, warehouses and shipment areas, for example’ says Dessing.

The engineering behind these heavy duty automatic doors is based on years of experience in the market.

Manufactured with CE certification and compliance with the Machine Directive 2006/42/EMC as well as other relevant safety and quality standards, the motors and components are designed for easy operation, long life cycles and minimal maintenance.

‘Apart from the Smart Reset roll-up door’s rugged construction, the feature which positions our company uniquely is the door’s self-repairing capabilities. Should the curtain be accidentally dislodged, it quickly recovers its alignment on its next opening or closing operation,” Dessing points out.

This is made possible by the incorporation of side hinges that slide along special guides, together with the flexible curtain ends that protect the door from damage.

On impact with an obstruction, the hinges dislodge themselves to prevent tearing or harm to personnel and goods.

The action is further driven by a DSC electronic safety device that automatically reverses the motion of the door should it hit an obstacle when closing. This IEC-compliant device can be activated by any type of remote control equipment including photocells, pressure sensitive mats, movement detectors and induction loops.

‘In addition, a manual release lever allows one to open the door from either side should a power failure or malfunction occur,’ Dessing explains.

For example, the Smart Reset roll-up door is supplied with a three phase 400V externally mounted motor that includes a limit switch and electrically operated hand brake. Suitable for openings of up to 2 metres high and 4 metres wide, the doors are manufactured in Class 2 self-extinguishing polyester which has demonstrated its ability to withstand winds of up to 120 km/h.

Robustness and longevity are also important features, so the doors include a soft start and soft stop capability to reduce mechanical stress and wear. An optional

The door’s self-repairing capabilities.

Roll-up door quickly recovers its alignment on its next opening or closing operation should the curtain be accidentally dislodged.

“

On impact with an obstruction, the hinges dislodge themselves to prevent tearing or harm to personnel and goods.”

inverter system is available when easy speed adjustments are a prerequisite. The precise and uniform rolling of the curtain is ensured by the combination of the two photocells that are mounted inside the casing of the door together with the DSC electronic system.

Aesthetically unobtrusive and compact, the Smart Reset roll-up doors are not only easy to install and operate but also provide companies with the assurance of unobstructed and safe access for vehicles and personnel.

‘These doors have provided a cost effective solution to the large roll-up door dilemma of ensuring speed of opening and closing, while at the same time ensuring that both people and goods are protected,” Dessing concludes. volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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BUILDING SYSTEMS POWER ALTERNATIVES

Solutions for a hard-hit industry Advances in technology are also driving change for the mining industry in terms of the pool of metals and minerals that are considered a worthwhile investment. The growing popularity of electric vehicles is leading to an increase in the need for cobalt, lithium and nickel, which are important component parts of lithium-ion batteries, says John Lewis, Managing Director, Aggreko Africa, in an opinion paper. There are direct parallels from the mining industry for the built environment sector also.

Pixabay

L

ewis explains that Aggreko Africa recently conducted a global survey to better understand the priorities of decision-makers in the energy sector. 50% of respondents said that cost is their primary consideration.

But they also need to meet carbon emissions targets.

There is a reluctance across the sector to invest in new green power sources with concerns it could soon be out of date as the pace of change seems to only be accelerating.

The dilemma is how to integrate renewable energy into power solutions which require significant capex investment, when there’s a backdrop of commodity price volatility making investment unattractive.

The Syama gold mining complex in southern Mali was able to balance this well. Aggreko signed a contract with mine owners in support of its drive to reduce carbon emissions and improve overall efficiency. Once installed, we will operate and maintain a 40MW thermal power plant and a 10MW battery storage system, with a further 20MW of solar power planned in 2023.

The hybrid solution will reduce client’s costs by an estimated 40%. Once all the renewable power sources are fully installed, it will also reduce carbon emissions by approximately 20%.

By using a rental option, Syama were able to de-risk

the investment into greener energy due to not having to invest capital into the power solution.

Lewis says that capital investment in some mines, such as coal, has become difficult. There’s also risk in investing in the latest alternative technologies as and when they emerge due to the market changing regularly.

At the Tasiast mine in Mauritania, an off-grid mine was powered by an inefficient fuel source and prone to regular breakdowns, incurring huge maintenance costs.

With a life expectancy of the mine another decade, there was a need for alternative power for the longer term, and to alleviate the cost of short-term supply of diesel as subject to price volatility.

‘We offered a solution that was easy to integrate into their current power mix. Given it was a rental solution, it also gave the owners breathing space and time to review longer term power options for the remaining life of the mine,’ says Lewis.

The use of hybrid power solutions at mines is only set to increase, while investment will continue to be driven by innovation in green technology.

Finding nimble solutions, such as hybrids or microgrids, provides companies with the agility needed to respond to the quickly-evolving energy landscape.

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2020/02/23 11:39 PM

ADVERTORIAL CITIQ PREPAID

Electric collaboration -

Citiq Prepaid works with developers & electricians to build partnerships that deliver results Prepaid electricity meters are one of the smartest ways of ensuring that a property’s utility consumption is managed accurately and fairly.

Property owners, estate managers and landlords can use these sub-metering solutions to refine their offering to their tenants across multiple industries and markets, from the consumer to the retailer to the manufacturer, and to add value to the property services they provide. As these solutions grow increasingly popular for contractor and owner alike, it has become essential that they work with a company that understands their needs and provides a quality platform from which they can manage their properties and their utilities.

C

itiq Prepaid is an established prepaid solutions provider with a solid foundation in electricity submetering and solutions. The company works closely with electrical contractors to provide them with the tools and support they need to ensure their clients invest into a sub-metering solution that’s relevant and reliable. They also work with property owners and developers to create comprehensive sub-metering installations that span entire developments.

‘We’ve just completed a significant project in the Eastern Cape with the installation of 111 prepaid meters to the Pier 14 development,’ explains Michael Franze, Managing Director at Citiq Prepaid. ‘Every flatlet on the renovated property has its own Citiq Prepaid meter keypad and distribution box so users can monitor their consumption at all times. The system also makes it easy for users to control their electricity consumption by purchasing tokens from a variety of approved outlets, while giving the body corporate and landlord a tidy alternative to managing multiple accounts.’

Citiq Prepaid worked closely with East London’s ARK Electrical to install the units across Pier 14, helping them to meet the deadlines and manage the installation.

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Throughout the process Citiq Prepaid has collaborated with both GRITprop Investment and with the electrical contractors to ensure that every part of the process is seamless.

‘We believe in igniting opportunities for small businesses, giving electrical contractors across the country a chance to grow their business and their reputation,’ concludes Franze.

‘This successful project underpinned our commitment to supporting small businesses while working closely with leading developers to create solutions that translate into satisfied tenants, tighter financial controls and reduced admin. It’s all about collaboration to drive benefits for everyone.’

Citiq Prepaid +27 (0)87 55 111 11 sales@citiqprepaid.co.za www.citiqprepaid.co.za

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BUILDING SYSTEMS STEEL FRAMING

Design professionals urged to join SASFA Industry association, the Southern African Light Steel Frame Association (SASFA) argues that by joining its ranks, architects, engineers and design professionals may tap into the growing light steel frame building (LSFB) knowledge base and market, staying abreast of new trends and technologies in a very affordable and practical way. SASFA is a member association of the South African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC). SASFA was established in 2006 by interested parties as an industry representative association.

Southern African Light Steel Frame Association

‘P

rofessionals in the industry - from building and construction contractors and sub-contractors to designers, power tool manufacturers, architects and engineers - find value in SASFA membership, in what is undeniably a challenging time of economic constraint and change for the construction, steel and building sectors locally. The active demand for LSFB in South Africa is one of the most exciting developments in recent times,’ says John Barnard, Director of SASFA. ‘While this method of building has been used in the United States, Europe and Australia for decades, it was only relatively recently introduced to our shores.

The speed of construction, accuracy, excellent thermal properties, logistical cost advantages and design flexibility are all factors which have made LSFB the building method of choice for a growing number of construction projects.

‘Today, the Association embodies the collective wisdom of its members and serves as a valuable reservoir of knowledge for professionals and practitioners in the industry. SASFA’s management of codes and standards, its strategically neutral and advocacy role as an industry voice across many construction-related industries

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John Barnard, Director of SASFA.

Milestones achieved The Association has achieved many significant milestones since inception.

For example, it has drafted the SASFA Building Code for LSFB in South Africa and taken the Code through the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) certification process, to form the national code SANS517 for Light steel frame building.

SASFA also obtained acceptance of LSFB from the South African banks for bonding of LSF houses; and acceptance from the NHBRC for enrolment. The Association has arranged awareness-raising seminars in the major centres of South Africa, involving several overseas speakers and obtained representation on the relevant SABS committees.

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BUILDING SYSTEMS STEEL FRAMING

Membership options

SAISC

The following categories of membership are available to members of industry wishing to join SASFA:: • Major material suppliers to the light steel frame building industry • Other material suppliers to the light steel frame building industry • Manufacturers of light steel frame building systems, and light steel trusses • Designers (architects, engineers, quantity surveyors) • Merchants and service centres • Erectors and builders • Student Associate members (building authorities, educational institutions, other associations)

and authorities, and its training programmes are unsurpassed,’ says Barnard.

The Institute’s and SASFA’s library and databases of companies and people associated with the industry are readily available to members, as is its up-to-date technical advice and specification changes relating to LSFB. SASFA also offers members training courses on demand, to further develop the skills available to the LSFB industry. In addition, membership serves as a form of certification which is deemed useful by finance providers, building authorities and the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC).

‘The Association forms a strong vehicle for advocacy, education, and professional networking. Listing on SASFA’s website boosts members’ exposure online and generates referrals. Furthermore, members have the opportunity to network with clients and professionals through access to all SASFA events,’ Barnard advises.

SASFA www.sasfa.co.za

SAISC Steel Awards winner in LFSB category, Protea Glen School.

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Fibroseal ADVERTORIAL CROMMELIN WATERPROOFING & SEALING

Making asbestos safe – in-place encapsulation

The Problem Asbestos surfaces undergo a weathering process after many years of exposure and a loose surface layer develops which, on roofs, becomes colonized with dark coloured lichen. The lichen attacks the cement causing exposure of the asbestos fibres. The surface becomes unstable, the asbestos sheeting is weakened and the darkened colour causes a substantial increase in roof cavity temperatures. The traditional process for coating asbestos roofs was to clean the roof with high-pressure water to remove all lichen and loose asbestos fibres. This procedure was eventually banned on health grounds, creating a need for a system that could be applied straight to the degraded asbestos without disturbing the surface.

The unstable nature of weathered asbestos surfaces is a cause of

some concern in the community and the Fibroseal System has So, what’s the big deal with asbestos? It’s a naturally occurring silicate and handy reinforcing been developed to minimise the danger of hazardous airborne fibres and provides an attractive durable finish. material commonly used in asbestos sheeting. Here’s the problem: weathering erodes the cement, releasing asbestos fibres. Older industrial buildings where such roofing is predominant, and those The Solution along the coast, are more susceptible where chemical fallout or sea air speeds theOver process along.

25 years ago, Crommelin addressed this problem and

E

nter asbestosis, a dreaded lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos particles, resulting in severe fibrosis which can lead to cancer of the pleura.

It’s these hazardous airborne fibres that are the primary concern presenting critical health risks and the reason why asbestos has become such a hot topic.

The preferred method of dealing with asbestos sheeting is to encapsulate it, effectively nullifying the erosion process and extending the roof’s lifespan.

Crommelin Fibroseal is the leading solution for in-place encapsulation of asbestos sheeting using a direct painton application. Crommelin’ s specialised training equips contractors to apply the product, ensuring certified application from start to finish.

It meets the highest international standards of approval and Crommelin Fibroseal strictly adheres to the Australian Paint Application Scheme, specifically “APAS 1702” as follows: Crommelin Fibroseal Primer is applied directly to the untreated asbestos sheeting requiring no initial preparation, fully penetrating through any moss and lichen, binding the encapsulated material to form a single solid material. It prevents any regrowth and renders the coated surface non-friable. It can be re-coated and requires no maintenance to retain this integrity for five years. Annual inspections can be carried out for a nominal fee of R3 000 a year.

The Crommelin Fibroseal Topcoat system adheres to the stabilised surface, providing UV protection and maintaining an effective finish that requires no further treatment for five years.

developed the Fibroseal System to achieve the following: Lichenof asbestos Loose Asbestos Asbestos Base • The binding and encapsulation fibres.

Fibres & Air • Avoiding costly downtime associated with replacement of asbestos roofs.

• A significant reduction in roof cavity temperatures resulting in savings in building cooling costs.

• An extension of the service life of asbestos structures.

• A completely water based and truly environmentally friendly system.

• Provides a rejuvinated appearance in a range of decorative colours.

The System Lichen

Through extensive research and development, Crommelin developed Fibroseal Primer. The primer soaks through the lichen and degraded asbestos down to the sound base material, binding Loose Asbestos Asbestos Base Fibroseal Primer unstable elements.

Fibres & these Air Fibroseal Topcoat is then applied to the primed surface to provide a durable, decorative, UV resistant protective coating.

Active ingredients in Fibroseal Topcoat also resist the growth of moss and lichen.

binds and encapsulates asbestos fibres and eliminates costly downtime. Furthermore, it reduces in-roof cavity The Fibroseal System has been specified and used extensively throughout Australia for over 25 years in areas such as temperatures significantly, resulting in savings on cooling government, local councils, commercial industry and schools etc. costs. certification and references are available upon request.

It is water-based with low volatile Project organic compounds, making the product environmentally-friendly and extending the service life of asbestos structures. It’s also far cheaper and quicker than the costly process of removing and replacing asbestos sheeting.

All round, we present great savings.

Crommelin Fibroseal asbestos sheeting encapsulation stops any further risk of asbestos fibre fallout in its tracks.

In adhering to the highest of international standards, it Before After presents the most cost-effective solution to the question: ‘What can I do with my hazardous asbestos roof?’

Crommelin Fibroseal, make the right choice today.

93 Westv

Let’s talk economics

In most cases, it’s only the side exposed to the weather that needs treatment. Crommelin Fibroseal has been developed through extensive research and development and successfully implemented for decades. It effectively

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E:

Crommelin Waterproofing & Sealing +27 728325682 stewart@crommelin.co.za

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Fibroseal The Problem Asbestos surfaces undergo a weathering process after many years of exposure and a loose surface layer develops which, on roofs, becomes colonized with dark coloured lichen. The lichen attacks the cement causing exposure of the asbestos fibres. The surface becomes unstable, the asbestos sheeting is weakened and the darkened colour causes a substantial increase in roof cavity temperatures. The traditional process for coating asbestos roofs was to clean the roof with high-pressure water to remove all lichen and loose asbestos fibres. This procedure was eventually banned on health grounds, creating a need for a system that could be applied straight to the degraded asbestos without disturbing the surface.

Loose Asbestos Asbestos Base Lichen Fibres & Air

Untreated

The unstable nature of weathered asbestos surfaces is a cause of some concern in the community and the Fibroseal System has been developed to minimise the danger of hazardous airborne fibres and provides an attractive durable finish.

The Solution Over 25 years ago, Crommelin addressed this problem and developed the Fibroseal System to achieve the following: Lichenof asbestos Loose Asbestos Asbestos Base • The binding and encapsulation fibres.

Fibres & Air • Avoiding costly downtime associated with replacement of asbestos roofs.

• A significant reduction in roof cavity temperatures resulting in savings in building cooling costs.

• An extension of the service life of asbestos structures.

• A completely water based and truly environmentally friendly system.

• Provides a rejuvinated appearance in a range of decorative colours.

Fibroseal Primer

Application

The System Lichen

Through extensive research and development, Crommelin developed Fibroseal Primer. The primer soaks through the lichen and degraded asbestos down to the sound base material, binding Loose Asbestos Asbestos Base Fibroseal Primer these unstable elements.

Fibres & Air

Fibroseal Topcoat Fibroseal Primer

Fibroseal Topcoat is then applied to the primed surface to provide a durable, decorative, UV resistant protective coating.

Active ingredients in Fibroseal Topcoat also resist the growth of moss and lichen.

The Fibroseal System has been specified and used extensively throughout Australia for over 25 years in areas such as government, local councils, commercial industry and schools etc.

Project certification and references are available upon request.

Before

Encapsulated

LOW

voc

After

93 93Westview WestviewDrive, Drive,Mill MillPark Park Port PortElizabeth Elizabeth6001 6001 T: T: +27 +27728325682 728325682 E: stewart@crommelin.co.za E: info@maybery.co.za Crommelin Waterproofing_fcp.indd 1

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BUILDING SYSTEMS STEEL ROOFING

The basics of steel roofing in warehouses To Build is pleased to feature the advice of steel roofing roll-former, Clotal Steel in an article about using steel roofing material optimally.

BDW Sheeting

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odern designs and technologically advanced roofing options has precipitated an increased shift towards metal roofing. The material has gained popularity amongst architects, developers and homeowners, bearing in mind its successful application in overseas markets, including Australia and South East Asia. Metal roofing is seen by designers as economic, durable and enhancing the aesthetics of a project.

Typical scenario

An architect has just finished designing a client’s dream project with an aesthetically beautiful metal roof in mind.

The client brief for the roof design was simple- a flexible roof design with natural curves. The designer’s initial thought is a metal roof. As steel is readily formable, steel roofing offers the designer a variety of pre-painted colours and material finishes which include gloss, matt and textured options. It also offers freedom of design and creativity, which makes it suitable for a wide variety of roof design features.

However, architects and designers need to be aware of the tips and tricks associated with metal roofs, which are key in executing a project with success.

Important considerations

• Soft roof vs hard roof A metal roof is considered a soft roof. Because of the strength of a metal roof, people walking on the roof is no problem. However, this is often abused during construction and maintenance by HVAC and solar heater installers and wet work trades. It is recommended

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that a site programme as well as roof design places HVAC and other services such as photovoltaic panels near designated walkways are installed in high traffic maintenance areas. This will improve the quality of the roof and its performance over time.

• Site conditions Deliver and install roof sheets to the roof in a manner that will not scratch or dent then and cause aesthetic or mechanical damage.

• Construction programme Allowing individuals to use a steel roof as a platform to work from will cause significant damage to the roof and problems for the professional team and clients. A programme that allows for the completion of all wet works around and above the roof will mitigate this risk so that metal roof sheeting can be installed in an environment that will lead to a quality finished product.

• Location of services Placing services in areas with dedicated access that don’t require people to move about on the steel roof is ideal.

If this isn’t possible, the installation of walkways is highly recommended to protect the integrity of the roof over time.

• Create a specification for the roof - and police it A specification for a metal roof is the secret to the success of the project. The profile type, material thickness, coating types, yield strengths and paint finishes can often be a confusing combination to get right when it comes to specifying the type of roof to be used on a project.

It is critical to specify each aspect correctly. Ambiguity in specification leads to either honest mistakes, or to

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BUILDING SYSTEMS STEEL ROOFING Warehouse project based in Olifantsfontein, Gauteng. Used 7000m2 for the roof of 0.58mm ISQ300 Chromadek, Craft-Lock® concealed fixed roofing plus 4600m2 of IBR cladding.

Typical specification: Concealed roof A typical example of a Craft-Lock® concealed fixed roof sheeting specification for a project would be the following: Craft-Lock® concealed fix roof sheeting manufactured by Clotan Steel with a male/female sideways interlocking mechanism, forming a double capillary action break manufactured from (1) 0.58mm thick (2)ISQ300 steel with (3)Chromadek® finish, colour (TBD- for example, Fish Eagle White), with a (4)Z275 (5)galvanized coating.

References: (1) Refers to your thickness of choice (2) Refers to the correct material grade (3) Refers to the desired finish (4) Refers to the desired protective coating mass (5) Refers to the desired protective coating

wilful manipulation by contractors or subcontractors on projects, where lesser quality products are used than were intended. By taking the time to write a clear specification and avoiding wording such as “similar or approved” will result in clients and professionals having the roofing materials and profile on their projects that were initially chosen and specified.

How to specify a metal roof for your project

There are five features to consider when specifying metal roofs for your project: 1. Material thickness: This is the thickness of the material used to manufacture the roof sheets (0.5mm, 0.53mm, 0.55mm, 0.58 mm or 0.8mm) 2.

Material type: This refers to the type of material.

There are two main categories – pre-painted

(Chromadek®, Colorbond® or ColorPlus®) and unpainted (ZincAl®, galvanised, Zincalume®, Copper, Zinc or Aluminium) 3.

Coating thickness: This refers to the protective coating thickness of the steel substrate, like Z200, Z275, AZ100, AZ150, AZ200, where a Z200 grade will mean 200 grams of zinc per square metre or AZ150 will mean 150 grams of Aluminium zinc per square metre.

4. Yield strength: This refers to the material grade (ISQ300, G300,etc).

5. Profile: This refers to the type of profile; pierced fixed (widespan, corrugated, C-tile and IBR) or concealed fixed (Craft-Lock® and Reehfalz).

Clotan Steel contact@clotansteel.co.za

In general By ensuring best practice on a metal roof, it is recommended that there is no construction or maintenance traffic on roofs. Hard roofs are recommended with internal access and if traffic is unavoidable, install temporary walkways with marine ply, or design permanent walkways with compatible clips and steel walkways on the roof.

Always choose the correct profile type, taking the roof design into consideration and ensure penetrations through the roof are dealt with in accordance to best practice on manufacturers specifications.

Ensure that the correct grade and type of fixings are used.

Don’t push construction programmes to such an extent that the roof is used as construction platform, as this will inevitably lead to the complete destruction and replacement of the roof, defeating the purpose of the cost savings.

If you want a lasting metal roof to remain aesthetically pleasing, trust the leaders in roofing innovation to provide you with the roofing solutions you need for your project. volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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Chairman Name: Phil Llewellyn Mobile no: 011 708 3603 Tel no: 08610 DWASA (39272) Email: phil@dwasa.net

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Director Name: Brenda van Heerden Tel no: 011 425 5555 Email: info@dwasa.net

Director Name: Dharshan Singh Tel no: 010 003 1531 Email: info@dwasa.net

Director Name: Christopher Hanscombe Tel no: 011 824 4262 Email: info@dwasa.net

2019/11/251:15 12:05PM PM 2020/02/24

BUILDING SYSTEMS SAFETY

Protecting against building fire.

New UN-backed global fire safety standard under development The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is collaborating with a coalition of over 70 international organisations to develop a new global fire safety standard. The project aims to bring reassurance to people across the world that the buildings and infrastructure they use follows the best worldwide expertise on fire safety.

RICS and Pixabay

TC Chetty, RICS, South Africa

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BUILDING SYSTEMS SAFETY

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ICS, which is chairing the development of the International Fire Safety Standard, is inviting experts to help shape the standard through a global consultation in an effort which is being supported by the United Nations and World Bank.

This follows previous RICS work to bring consistency to the standards people can expect globally across property, construction and valuation.

‘Various incidents of fire safety non-compliance resulting in tragic consequences, have raised questions about the safety and compliance of South African buildings, and highlighted the importance of clear fire safety standards and ensuring compliance with such standards,’ says TC Chetty, South Africa Country Manager for RICS. ‘The International Fire Safety Standard will ensure occupier safety by providing landlords with clear fire safety standards for building design and management, while also providing occupiers with a means of holding landlords and building owners accountable when it comes to fire safety.’

Uniform set of principles

Through the global consultation process, it is hoped that a uniform set of principles can be created for countries to adopt. RICS leadership in this initiative underlines the profession’s commitment to creating safer built environments for people around the world.

‘Fire knows no geographical or political boundaries, and along with this, the differing approaches to fire safety in buildings across the globe can be inconsistent, ineffective and in some cases, non-existent. There is an urgent need to deliver better safety for people’s homes, communities and workplaces and RICS is committed to being at the heart of this,’ says Gary Strong, Chair of the

International Fire Safety Standards Coalition and Global Building Standards Director at RICS: ‘This project has brought together wide-ranging global expertise and attracted the support of the United Nations and World Bank. I now encourage experts to engage with this consultation to help us deliver the best possible fire safety standard for the environments we all inhabit.’

The International Fire Safety Standards will be open for global consultation until 23 March 2020 with the final international standard to be published later this year.

The professional to contact for further information is TC Chetty of RICS on +27 (0)31 764 4645.

• The International Fire Safety Standards consultation paper and questions can be viewed on link https:// bit.ly/2trmGlF. Interested parties are invited to respond by midnight CET on 23 March 2020.

• The IFSS Coalition (IFSSC) was formed at a meeting hosted by the United Nations in Geneva in July 2018. A full list of all the coalition organisations and partners is available at https://bit.ly/36QWiiB • The Coalition came together to address the need for better and consistent global standards in fire safety in light of some tragic fires in recent years.

The aim is to improve fire safety both during the design and construction phase and the maintenance and management of existing buildings and infrastructure in the public interest, sharing best practice knowledge and expertise.

• All coalition organisations have committed to adopting and implementing the new standard through their own guidance to professional practitioners.

Borko Manigoda/Pixabay

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2018/11/22 AM 2020/02/24 11:06 1:17 PM

Materials CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS

Double decker rehabilitation creates safety and jobs The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRS), in their commitment to provide quality roads that are accessible and safe, decided it was time for one of its major bridges to be rehabilitated. The M1 “double decker” is a highway bridge in Johannesburg, between Newton and Fordsburg, which posed a safety threat to motorists.

Sika

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his R15 million rehabilitation project, with a bridgespan of 1.02 km, was no small task and required the expertise of many specialists. Khato Civils were appointed as the main contractor for the project and assisted by 17 small, medium and micro enterprises. A phenomenal number of 164 people were employed on this rehabilitation process.

A well-known construction chemicals supplier, Sika, reports that its product range was Khato Civils’ brand of choice because of its reliability and long life.

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Trestle-like piers

The bridge consists of two reinforced concrete deck superstructures, one directly above the other, that are supported on trestle-like piers. A variety of the company’s products were specified for structural repairs, structural strengthening and coatings. SikaTop Armatec-110 EpoCem was used as a rebar protective coating in the structural repairs as it is highly effective for corrosion prevention in concrete reinforcing. Also used in the repair process were the supplier’s user-friendly Monotop-615

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Materials CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS

City of Johannesburg’s M1 bridge, repaired with smart construction chemicals.

On-site support

HB, which is designed for thick layer concrete repairs, especially for overhead and vertical applications, as well as the SikaGrout-212.

For structural strengthening of reinforced concrete structures, and to increase sheer load capacity, SikaWrap-300 C was used. The concrete surface area was treated with Sikaguard-705 L silane water repellent and SikaTop Seal-107, a polymer modified cement waterproof and chloride and carbonation resistant, liquid applied membrane coating for concrete.

To ensure that all product applications were executed correctly at every stage, all those involved in the project were provided with training and on-site support by the supplier’s support team. This included training in processes such as surface preparation, product mixing and product application.

A major challenge to all involved was that the motorway was used daily by traffic. As disruption to traffic had to remain limited, it was anticipated that it would be difficult to complete the task within the allotted 22-month time frame. However, with the use of superior, tailor-made products and the appointment of a committed contractor, the project was completed three months ahead of time.

The mayor of Johannesburg at the time, Herman Mashaba, expressed his main concern and priority was the safety of motorists. Mashaba visited the site during the works and was pleased with the progress.

Roads and bridges form a critical part of the transport infrastructure, especially in a growing city, so their maintenance and rehabilitation are important. Now complete, the mayor and all road users can rest assured that the best possible rehabilitation practices were employed on the project and that the “double-decker” has a firm foundation for the future. volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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Do it right... the first Do it right... thetime first time Silicone-NO Silicone-NO MF/T is a high quality, low VOC, neutral curing fungal resistant, durable and elastic sealant with excellent adhesion on many surfaces (without primer). Has good UV and weather resistance. Silicone-NO complies with international standards.

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

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FireProtect® FP Silicone Sealant FireProtect® FP Silicone Sealant is a one-component, low modulus silicone sealant for creating fire retardant joints to compartmentalize fire zones to prevent the spread of flame, gases and smoke between compartments. FP Silicone Sealant is a neutral sealant which is almost odourless, forming a fire resistant seal after application. May be used without primer to seal assemblies of glass, laminated glass, glazed surfaces, aluminium and many other metals, unplasticised plastics, polyester, polystyrene and most uPVC, painted wood, concrete and brickwork.

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Cartridges of 310ml Application Fire retardant expansion and joint sealing to precast concrete, brickwork and masonry. Fire retardant perimeter pointing and curtain wall sealing. Sealing fire retarding glazing systems and cap beading. Sealing joints where spreading of fire, smoke, or toxic gases is undesired. Suitable for fire sealing of joints in commercial buildings, offices, industrial warehouses, factories, hotel rooms, shopping malls and ships. Tested for fire resistance up to 240 minutes in joints up to 40mm wide. Tested to fire test certification EN 1366-4

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Excellent adhesion to most substrates. Highly resistant to ageing and weathering.

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Colours: White, beige, grey, black Cartridges of 300ml and 600ml Application As a specific sealant for expansion joints between building structures, and around uPVC window frames. For sealing joints (inside and outside) in concrete, natural stone, asbestos, wood, enamelled surfaces, steel and aluminium.

For use with Polyethylene Backing Cord.

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

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Application As a chemical anchor for wire rods and screws in massive and hollow surfaces such as concrete, aerated concrete, brickwork and hollow stones. For solid fastening of window frames, roller blinds, banisters, hinges, etc. in building constructions.

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Mirrorfix-MS - The only adhesive specifically designed for use on mirrors Mirrofix-MS is a low VOC adhesive based on SPUR technology.

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Proud to be green... in more ways than one All Round Sealant All Round Sealant is a paintable, solvent based plastic elastic sealant and is fungal resistant. Universal sealant based on synthetic rubbers with good adhesion properties. Can be used on damp non-porous surfaces.

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PU Foam Construction PU Foam is a one component fast curing construction foam based on moisture curing polyurethane. It has a strong dense cell structure with excellent gap filling capability. Precise application with the NBS applicator option.

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

FireProtect® FP PU Foam is a fire resistant, one component polyurethane foam curing by atmospheric moisture. For use in areas where fire resistance is required.

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Application PU-Foam can be used in joints between separation walls, ceilings and floors. Perimeter joints around window and door frames. Filling cavities carrying pipes, cables or transits in walls and ceilings.

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Materials CEMENT & CONCRETE

Efficiency and quality demanded to stay in the game

With South Africa’s construction sector running lukewarm, it is vital that material suppliers get smarter to stay alive, argues a major cement producer.

AfriSam

A

friSam Operations Manager, Kevin Naidoo, says that the supply of readymix is a high speed game and that the company’s Jukskei plant is running

smart.

‘The poor state of the market, and the continuous entry of new players, only adds more pressure for producers to be faster and better,’ he comments.

Naidoo is of the opinion that quality remains a critical factor for readymix in the construction sector, as lives depend on concrete performing as expected. This means that systems and technology should always be advancing to harness productivity while prioritising control.

A huge role for digital platforms

Digital communication technology is among the tools

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that are embraced by Afrisam. In one such application, variances in plant performance can be communicated directly to managers’ mobile phones, Naidoo says.

The state of the sector is reflected in the output from the Jukskei plant in Midrand, situated in the heartland of Gauteng’s urban economy.

Standards and quality in demanding times

‘Despite the weaker demand, our standards remain high,’ Naidoo says. ‘Customers rely on that from us.’

He adds that the increased risk of using readymix concrete suppliers without the necessary quality controls, always ends up with customers returning to a supplier with established quality controls. AfriSam’s 40 readymix operations nationwide are certified for

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Materials CEMENT & CONCRETE

All AfriSam’s readymix plants are certified for the ISO 9001 quality standard and are fully accredited members of SARMA. Right: Among the high profile projects supplied by AfriSam’s Jukskei readymix plant are the Gautrain stations.

Right above: AfriSam’s Jukskei readymix plant is one of the highest volume production plants in the country.

the ISO 9001 quality standard. AfriSam is also a fully accredited member of the Southern Africa Ready-Mix Association (SARMA).

‘Such standards give customers the confidence they need in the quality of systems and products,’ says Naidoo. ‘Industry professional affiliations demand rigorous auditing – both internal and external – of operations. This is vital in managing the considerable risks inherent in their projects, especially in infrastructure and large building projects.’

Among the recent high-profile projects that the company has supplied, are the Leonardo skyscraper in Sandton, the super-sized Mall of Africa in Midrand, the Gautrain stations and the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bridge over Johannesburg’s M1 highway.

Sweating assets

Managing the tight economic environment also means getting the most of operational assets, says Naidoo.

He highlights the importance of constantly checking basic elements, like accurate measurement of material at the plants. With a world-class computerised batching system, the plant’s scale calibrations are conducted internally every two weeks. An external service provider also does a full range of calibration tests every month.

These are all conducted within SANAS specifications.

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Materials SPECIAL ROOF COATINGS

Funding for solar-reflective roof coatings Having been awarded a $100 000 grant by the international Million Cool Roofs Challenge last year to deploy solar-reflective roof coatings, the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) is now underway with a solution for affected communities. [Ref: www.sanedi.org.za ] Having said that, the technology that is behind roof-cooling paints is quite complex and hopefully the emphasis will be on quality and not price.

D

riven by the Kigali Cooling Efficiency Program (K-CEP) the aim is to rapidly scale up the deployment of cool roofs in developing countries, to alleviate climate stress.

‘We were thrilled. Starting in August, the grant came just in time for the scorching summer, which is felt most in the Limpopo Province, reaching an average of 35°C,’ says Denise Lundall, Project Officer, Energy Efficiency Cool Surfaces at SANEDI. ‘We can reduce indoor daytime temperatures in low-cost housing by almost 10°C by applying the coating.’

This can make a substantial difference to the daily lives of many South Africans.

Strong competition

Deployment has been smooth thus far, with sights set on the next large Million Cool Roofs Challenge grant to be awarded in 2021. The next grant, of $1 million, will be awarded to the country team that has demonstrated the best sustainable and transferable model for rapid deployment of cool roofs and best meets the judging criteria.

‘With nine others competing for this grant, we have our challenge set out for us,’ says Lundall.

Teams from Bangladesh, Senegal, Philippines, Niger, Rwanda, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Indonesia and Mexico are involved, while meeting certain standards and criteria.

‘It is not just about lowering ambient air temperatures but also supporting socio-economic development in those developing country communities,’ adds Lundall.

For South Africa, the project has been undertaken with local municipal authorities, to coat no less than 25 000m2 of roof area. SANEDI raises awareness in the communities to get their support. Each community has a selected group of unemployed local residents, professionally

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Cool roofs

trained and certified, and then employed by the project to apply the specialised coating.

‘Part of K-CEP’s aim is to demonstrate the benefits of cool roofs and stimulate demand so that a market can be developed and eventually self-sustained in these developing countries,’ notes Lundall.

SA is an ideal candidate, as the country faces the highest unemployment rate out of the 10 countries aiming for the larger 2021 grant.

Benefits abound

Cool roofing also brings benefits to urban areas.

Substantial energy savings can be achieved in buildings which make use of HVAC as the intervention reduces base and peak demand for cooling energy.

‘Environmentally, the benefits are clear. The whitening of 100m2 of dark roofing reduces the warming effect of 10 tons of CO2 emissions. Globally, this cancels 500 medium sized coal power stations’ worth of GGHE,’ concludes Lundall.

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www.sephakucement.co.za 0861 32 42 52

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Materials CONCRETE AGGREGATE

Zama-Zamas a threat to sustainable development?

It is only with the coordinated efforts of South Africa’s legal quarrying industry that the construction of appropriate infrastructure will be able to take place. The resurgence of illegal or unregistered quarrying operations represents a clear and present threat to sustainable development, argues the surface mining industry association, ASPASA, Director, Nico Pienaar.

ASPASA and Javier Alamo/Pixabay

T

he quarrying industry in South Africa is technically advanced and able to supply materials for modern construction techniques. However, many of the country’s quarries are under threat due to illegal operations and ill-considered borrow pits, which are undercutting the prices of formal quarries and bringing many to their knees.

Without well managed quarries operating in our towns and cities, the cost of construction will become unaffordable for government, developers and even for homeowners. If allowed to disappear, we will see similar problems arise as with the Eskom energy and water crisis, where too little is done too late and the citizens will bear the brunt.

No tomorrow

Imagine we need specialised materials to build a dam wall, tunnel or hospital, or that private contractors need high-strength concrete for mine shafts, high rise buildings

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ASPASA, Director, Nico Pienaar.

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Materials CONCRETE AGGREGATE

International research backs this view Research done in the USA by the Phoenix Centre for Advanced Legal and Economic Public Policy Studies, shows that quarries are not only beneficial to the development of physical infrastructure but are also major contributors to the building of strong local economies. Furthermore, it shows that the benefits lasted for an extended period of time ranging from 20 years to longer. well as compliance with employment criteria, etc.

By their nature, quarries need to be situated in or close to our towns and cities to avoid expensive transport costs that will make them unaffordable. All too often residents only see the negative side of quarrying, such as the use of heavy equipment on site, blasting or increased heavy vehicle traffic, and get upset at the mere thought of having a “big, dirty quarry “nearby. Little do most people know, however, that formal registered quarries belonging to the association are far from being bad neighbours.

Compliance matters

or advanced new construction techniques. Imagine we can’t supply them because our formal quarrying industry – with its mining experts, blasting professionals, mineral processing engineers and skilled workers – have left the industry due to the quarries closing. Illegal miners and small-scale borrow pits don’t have the skills nor the expensive capital equipment to produce such materials.

By supporting illegal miners or establishing illconsidered borrow pits to meet short-term construction requirements more cheaply, government departments, municipalities and construction firms will be complicit in the demise of our quarries and will spell the inevitable demise of the formal construction industry in South Africa.

And, while short-term price gains may seem attractive, it undermines the livelihoods of thousands of workers who are gainfully employed in the formal quarrying sector with its strenuous health, safety and environmental laws, as

Legal quarries which are members of ASPASA must obtain mining, water usage and environmental permits and have to abide by the strictest regulations possible just to begin quarrying operations. Once in operation, they are heavily regulated (in terms of the impact on surrounding communities) and have to comply with the strictest possible regulations relating to noise, dust and water pollution, among others. An additional benefit is the creation of direct and indirect jobs that are sustainable over a long period.

In fact, the quarry industry has never been more responsible and committed to the communities they operate in. With the government’s commitment to building new homes and the rising population growth, a strong demand for infrastructure development is required and this needs to be supported by legal quarry operations in every town and city.

We call on government, contractors, developers and the formal construction industry to recognise the important roles played by well resourced, well equipped, formal quarries and to support them in the interest to sustainable construction.

ASPASA www.aspasa.co.za volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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Materials TIMBER & DECKING

Timber specialist, Robin Schultz on site with his team.

Cost, maintenance and longevity – the balance Timber construction has been around for a long time and has often stood in the shadow of brick and concrete forms of construction. However, there is one area in which timber has clear dominance, the decking and pedestrian walkway area.

Contour Decks

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Gareth Griffiths

imber construction has been around for a long time and has often stood in the shadow of brick and concrete forms of construction. However, there is one area in which timber has clear dominance, the decking and pedestrian walkway area.

With the upswing in the use of exotic hard timbers, as opposed to SA Pine, we decided to approach timber expert Robin Schultz, about what the building owner or project manager might do when faced with different options.

Can you share with readers the range of different timbers available and what you would recommend?

The type of decking material specified is largely dependent on foot traffic. Commercial decking usually

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has more foot traffic than domestic applications. In high traffic areas, we would recommend the use of hardwoods.

Are there any climate conditions that make a particular type of timber a good recommendation?

In our experience, it is not necessary to specify one kind of timber vs. another according to climate. However, where high humidity occurs, decking should be rinsed down and rubbed with a medium bristle brush at least once a month to remove dead algae build up.

What are the types of timber available and what are the relevant cost considerations in each case?

Often the client will specify what timber is required. It is

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Materials TIMBER & DECKING

important to note that the cheapest is not always better.

Note, the practice is to coat SA Pine timber, or to use a thicker cut, which increases the cost.

Decking timber type

Cost for 19mm

Cost for 32mm with coating

SA Pine Radiata species

$

$$$

Cladocalyx

$$$

N/A*

Macaranduba

$$$

N/A*

Garapa

$$$

N/A*

Balau

$$$

N/A*

IPE (Brazilian Walnut)

$$$$$

N/A*

Battery Park Canal Bridge – Cladocalyx Decking.

*Some timber may be left uncoated. See ‘Should timber be treated’, below.

What are the fastening and fixing systems do’s and don’ts?

I recommend the use of traditional fixing and fastening methods. These are the general guidelines: • The preferred screw will be a high quality 304 CSK (counter sunk stainless steel) with a “Torx” head and reinforced head to shank intersection. If the head of the screw is not reinforced, the head will crack off from stress rendering the installation a disaster • We never recommend the use of small headed screws, secret fixing methods, side fixing, deck clips, nails and/or double threaded screws. Traditional methods work best. It does not make sense to cut cost at this level, against the big investment on timber.

• The screw length should be at least 2,5 times the thickness of the decking board. Two screws should be positioned per board across the face on every joist.

• The screw should have a head of at least 10mm in diameter and should securely hold the decking board onto the substructure.

• Over tightening will result in the thread stripping in the substructure, resulting in decking boards warping beyond recovery • The pre-drilled hole in the decking board needs to be slightly larger than the outer thread diameter of the fastener being used.

Cape Town Convention Centre – Macarandube Decking.

• Full threaded fasteners are not recommended as they can cause the decking board to “climb” up the screw.

Any general advice to the installer?

Counter sink the top of the screw head 1mm lower than the board. If the screw head is countersunk too deep, a small pool of water will accumulate every time it rains, which swells the wood around the screw and ultimately leads to screws loosening over time with constant swell / shrink movement of the timber. volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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As outdoor SA Pine is CCA treated against fungus and rotting it will last without the need for a decorative coating, however if decorative coating is considered by the client then they should be re-applied often to protect the surface from ultraviolet light degradation.

• Hardwood decking may be thinly coated with very light mineral oil to slow down acclimatisation and stress cracking.

• We do not recommend linseed oil as it simply too thick and remains sticky after application.

The final word is quality

V&A Waterfront – Garapa Decking

Should timber be treated with a coating or oiled?

Soft woods by nature are less dense. By volume the density is less than hardwood. Soft wood will absorb more moisture and dry out more readily than hardwood.

Hence hairline cracking is more prevalent. Stains and sealants are short term aesthetic solutions.

A class one hardwood deck should give you many years of trouble free service if installed correctly. It is highly advisable to vet your installer’s experience in hardwood decking installations to ensure you get value from the project you are investing in. After all, a badly or poorly installed deck cannot be rectified using the same materials over again.

Robin Schultz of Contour Decks is an active decking and walkway installer and has delivered many successful projects over the years, large and small scale. These range from domestic installations, to commercial installations that include the CTICC2 extension; to approved boardwalks for nature conservation authorities.

He may be contacted on 082 444 5954 should readers have any queries.

Steenberg Estate – Balau Decking.

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Single Coat Oil-Based Wood Stain

Protects, nourishes and colours wood in one easy application

Can be used on all types of uncoated wood for both interior and exterior application Easy to apply in one single coat 1 litre covers up to 50m² A Global Green Tag certified product Low VOC’s Wide colour range with over 70 colours to choose from Good stock levels and quick turn

around time Competitively priced quality product backed by great service Jax Oleum works successfully with other over coat brands Proudly made in South Africa

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2020/02/23 11:45 PM

Materials TIMBER & DECKING

South Africa boasts new advanced processing plant A multinational wood-based panel manufacturer, Sonae Arauco, has invested R220 million in upgrading its White River, Mpumalanga facility to include an integrated press system from a leading German supplier.

Sonae Arauco

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his state-of-the-art technology has been dubbed the most advanced facility on the African continent.

The White River plant processes raw product into particle board and medium-density fibre board (MDFB) that is covered to produce melamine-faced board.

‘The new line increases our capacity significantly to convert raw board into high-quality, value-added product,’ says Sonae Arauco Chief Industrial and Technology Officer, Dionne Harber.

‘The upgrade will allow the company to introduce exclusive and innovative new materials to the local market from its latest Innovus collection. The upgraded facility will also give Sonae Arauco the flexibility to be

The upgraded facility will be able to press niche products on demand.

The White River plant processes raw product into particle board and medium-density fibre board.

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able to press niche products on demand, in accordance with specific customer requirements. This will reduce stockholding, which poses the potential of product being damaged or ageing if stored too long’ she adds.

Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Robin Kuriakose says that local customers will now have access to additional decorative melamine-faced finishes only available in the European market to date.

‘We want to introduce more of these finishes locally, and hence the major investment in the White River facility, which can now be benchmarked against the best on the continent, as well as globally,’ she says.

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Materials CLAY BRICK

Efficient cavity wall construction This is the second in a series of informative articles by the Clay Brick Association of South Africa.

Elements of a cavity wall

A cavity wall is composed of two masonry walls separated by an air space or cavity.

Masonry must be laid on a level, rigid base. This is typically a concrete foundation or a beam of structural steel or concrete.

The outer wall (or leaf) provides visual appeal. Clay face brick (FBA, FBS and FBX) offers a wide range of aesthetic options.

The inner wall (or leaf) is usually constructed of NFP or NFX clay plaster bricks.

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In between the two masonry leaves is a cavity of 50 millimetres. The gap must be consistent from the bottom of the wall to the top. This cavity must be kept free of mortar which can block water from draining away, leading to damp and mould.

The wall cavity should extend to 150mm below the damp-proof course (DPC) level. Below the damp-proof course, the cavity must be filled with fine concrete.

The Damp Proof Course (DPC) keeps moisture away from the cavity side of the interior wall. It is usually a PVC

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Materials CLAY BRICK

Weep holes must be provided in the external leaf immediately above the Damp Proof Course at intervals of 100cm (or about every 4th brick horizontally).

Wall ties should be used every 450mm (every 5th course of brickwork vertically) with a maximum horizontal spacing of 600mm (every second brick).

sheet extending with a downward curve from the interior wall across cavity and through the outer wall. Its purpose is to drain away any water in the cavity towards the weep holes and discharge it outside.

Masonry bricks are held in place with mortar typically composed of cement and sand.

The cavity can be partly filled with insulation which is attached to the inner leaf. Insulation provides additional thermal performance.

The two single-leaf walls are linked to each other with metal or plastic wall ties that are permanently fixed into

the mortar of both brick leaves, crossing the cavity. The ties strengthen the cavity wall.

Weep holes are drainage holes left in the exterior wall of the cavity wall. They are traditionally non-mortared gaps left between two adjacent bricks, to provide an exit point for water in the cavity. Plastic weep vents are also available.

The Clay Brick Association of South Africa www.claybrick.org volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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Materials INSULATION

Insulation to future proof properties?

Suria Ramnarain, Sales Development Manager at Knauf Insulation [www.knaufinsulation.co.za ], argues the case for the use of mineral wool insulation.

Knauf

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nsulation has long been a key part of the sustainability strategy for buildings in Europe; but has not been widely adopted in warmer climates such as South Africa. This changed with the introduction of regulatory requirements such as SANS 10400 XA and SANS 1544:2014.

The update to SANS 10400 XA sets out the R-value for construction elements of new buildings and extensions designed for human occupancy depending on a building’s use and location. An R-value is a measure of thermal performance based on how a material or buildup resists heat transfer. The R-value set for five of South Africa’s seven zones will require properties to be built with a minimum 50mm cavity (an air gap) for concrete and external masonry walls.

The greatest proportion of energy loss from heating or cooling a property without insulation takes place through its roof and external walls. While use of insulation in a property’s roof is fairly well established in South Africa, adding it to its walls is less common.

According to research by the Clay Brick Association and the University of Pretoria, simply adding a cavity to a property reduces energy consumption by 30%. Installing insulation into that cavity reduces it by 70%.

Installing mineral wool insulation prevents energy loss and improves sustainability.

But insulation isn’t only reserved for use in masonry cavity walls, it can also be used for other build-ups such as metal or timber frame walls, to improve the energy efficiency of a property.

Energy Performance Certificates will soon be used for domestic properties

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), (in line with SANS 1544:2014) are designed to provide owners and tenants with information about how energy-efficient a building is. This gives an indication of how costly a building will be to cool, heat and light before occupation.

It is displayed in a similar format to ratings for domestic appliances, with A being the most energy-efficient and G the least. It is expected that once EPCs are adopted for commercial premises, they will be rolled out to domestic properties.

Research by the University of Cambridge found that UK dwellings with the highest EPC bands A and B sold for 14% more than those with a G rating. This demonstrates that designing and constructing buildings to secure good EPC ratings pays dividends.

Insulation plays an important role in securing a good EPC rating by preventing heat flow from warm areas to volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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cold areas, reducing the energy needed to cool or heat a property.

Different products are designed to perform in different ways. For example, a 100mm thick mineral wool slab for masonry cavity walls has an R-value of 1.93 m2K/W, while a 100mm mineral wool roll for light steel frame walls has an R-value of 2.38 m2K/W. The cavity wall insulation has a lower R-value because the masonry construction will contribute to the thermal performance.

Mineral wool a great at reducing noise

However, the reduced mass of metal or timber frame walls means that insulation will also need a higher level of acoustic performance. Mineral wool insulation is particularly good at reducing noise because it has an open structure, which traps sound between the individual strands and turns it into heat energy. As a result, when acoustic mineral wool is used in walls, ceilings or floors, sound transmission is reduced resulting in quieter rooms for occupants.

But not all insulation is the same and will reduce noise. For example, rigid foam boards have closed cell structures offering virtually no sound absorption.

Cutaway showing mineral wool insulation in a masonry cavity wall build-up.

They are more prone to air gaps, which reduces both acoustic and thermal performance. Also, certain types of mineral wool such as loft roll provide excellent thermal performance, but do not have the high levels of sound insulation required.

Excellent fire retardant

Another area that’s becoming increasingly important is fire resistance. When adding insulation, it’s important not to compromise. Unfaced mineral wool offers the best in class Euroclass A1 Reaction to Fire Classification, which means that it will not contribute to the spread or development of fire should it occur.

Ultimately, designing and building properties that meet the requirements of SANS 10400 XA and are EPCready makes good business sense. Adding mineral wool into external cavity walls will provide occupants with safer, more comfortable living and working conditions, as well as lower energy bills – and will make the property more marketable too.

Mineral wool insulation helps prevent heat loss in cold weather and heat gain in hot weather.

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volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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THINK PINK THIS SUMMER TO KEEP HOME COOL! THINK YOUR PINK THIS SUMMER

TO KEEP YOUR HOME COOL!

Summer is here and all of a sudden air conditioners are starting to drip outside and the sound of electric fans cloud our thinking.

consumed Benefits: and CO2 ◗ Certified non-combustible emitted from ◗ Locally manufactured Summer is here and all of a sudden air conditioners are consumed manufacturing, Benefits: starting to drip outside and the sound of electric fans and CO2 ◗ Superior thermal performance transporting and It helps, but the level of comfort is still not ideal, not ◗ Certified non-combustible emitted from cloud our thinking. ◗ Easy to handle and install ◗ Locally manufactured disposing – so to mention the shocker of an electricity bill that you manufacturing, ◗ Sound absorption qualities ◗ Superior thermal performance on the and expect to seeIt at the end of the Withisthe transporting helps, but the levelmonth. of comfort stillgrowing not ideal, notyou are ◗ Made recycled glass ◗ Easyfrom to handle and install side of a– so energy crisis,toit mention is important for us to mindful ofbillhow the shocker of be an electricity that youright disposing ◗ Sound absorption qualities you are future. on the see at the end ofand the month.

With the growingsustainable we manage expect indoortotemperatures, the impact that ◗ Made from recycled glass right side of a energy crisis, important forAir us to be mindful of how mechanical cooling has itonis our health. conditioners sustainable future. temperatures, and the impact that Aerolite blankets are easy and safe to install, supplied are some of we themanage numberindoor one culprits when it comes to mechanical cooling has on our health. Air conditioners in resilient, flexible compression packed rolls for easy the spread of airborne illnesses.

Aerolite blankets are easy and safe to install, supplied are some of the number one culprits when it comes to maneuvering cutting inside your roof,rolls ideal the in resilient,and flexible compression packed forfor easy the spread of airborne illnesses.

DIY enthusiast, caninside also your get roof, in touch with A typical un-insulated home gains or loses up to 35% of its maneuveringbut and you cutting ideal for thean you’re a do-it-for-me kindget of person. energy through the ceiling whichhome results in or a home is of itsinstaller DIY ifenthusiast, but you can also in touch with an A typical un-insulated gains loses upthat to 35% installer if you’re a do-it-for-me kind of person. energy the ceiling which in results in a Ifhome uncomfortably hot through in summer, and frosty winter. you that is uncomfortably hot in summer, and frosty in winter. are using mechanical intervention to cool and warm your If youSince November 2011 the South-African building Since November 2011 the South-African building are using mechanical intervention to cool and warm your regulations prescribe that all new homes are required to home, you could be looking at saving up to 35%* of your regulations prescribe that all new homes are required to home, you could be looking at saving up to 35%* of your have a certain level of insulation in their roofs to meet electricity bill if you keep the heat, or the cold, inside! have a certain level of insulation in their roofs to meet electricity bill if you keep the heat, or the cold, inside! specifi c performance requirements. specifi c performance requirements.

ISOVER’s Aerolite insulates your ceiling and dramatically ISOVER’s Aerolite insulates your ceiling and dramatically PinkPink Aerolite has number1 1 slows down heat and gain, in a comfortable Aerolite hasbeen beenSouth-Africa’s South-Africa’s number slowsloss down heat loss resulting and gain, resulting in a comfortableThinkThink choice in ceiling insulation since1937, 1937, and and will home.

Aerolite offers a payback in less2 than 2 years*choice in ceiling insulation since willguarantee guarantee home. Aerolite offers a payback in less than years* performance lifespanofofyour yourhome, home, keep to the home’senergy reducedrequirements energy requirements for for thethe lifespan keepyou youand and thanks to thethanks home’s reduced with withperformance family comfortable, withoutputting putting pressure continued savings thereafter. your your family comfortable, without pressureononthe the continued savings thereafter. electricity grid. electricity grid.

Aerolite is a thermal and acoustic glass wool ceiling Aerolite is ainsulation thermalthat and acoustic glass wool ceiling *For more information visit our website on has been manufactured, known and trusted information |visit our websiteor oncontact the insulation that has been manufactured, and trusted www.aerolite.co.za www.isover.co.za in the South-African market known for more than 60 years. It*For more | www.isover.co.za or contact the in the South-African for more 60 years.

It you www.aerolite.co.za Isover Technical Department 0860 ISOVER (476837) maintains amarket comfortable living than environment, keeping cooler in summer, in winterkeeping and safer, maintains a comfortable livingwarmer environment, youquieter, Isover Technical Department 0860 ISOVER (476837) friendlierwarmer and happier all year and round. cooler in summer, in winter safer, quieter, friendlier and happier all year round.

Aerolite is the safer option; unlike many competitive products that are combustible, Aerolite is a certified Aerolite is the safer option; unlike many competitive non-combustible product which means it won’t burn, products that are combustible, Aerolite is aofcertifi smoke, or melt in a fire.

It is made 80% ed non-combustible product which it won’t burn, recycled glass and our means factory based in Springs, is CFC smoke, or melt in a fire.Gauteng It is made of and 80% HCFC savesbased recycled glass andfree ourand factory more than in Springs, Gauteng is 100X CFC and the energy

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Materials EXPO

Concrete and construction expos address 4IR readiness This year’s African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo, well established with excellent attendances in the industry, will once again take place at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Gauteng. The organisers explain the relevance of this expo, given recent developments at governmental and presidential levels. They argue the significance of the event in line with the 4th Industrial Revolution (4iR)

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n this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), the theme of which was “Following up on our commitments: Making your future work better”, President Cyril Ramaphosa provided a ray of hope to the construction industry by sharing several shovelready projects that are coming on stream thanks to the Infrastructure Fund implementation team.

‘The cranes and yellow equipment that we have longed to see across the landscape of our country will once again soon be an everyday sight,’ said President Ramaphosa.

Added to this, he noted that the digital economy will increasingly become a driver of growth and a creator of employment. This was a re-emphasis of last year’s SONA in which the president stressed the urgency of equipping the nation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the necessity to adapt to and embrace the various opportunities it presents.

‘With the recent introduction of 4IR technologies, built assets are changing and impacting the entire construction value chain. In fact, a study published in the International Journal Of Architectural, Civil And

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Construction Sciences, titled “Construction 4.0: The Future of the Construction Industry in South Africa”, found that adopting 4IR technology in the construction industry will not only improve the performance of the industry regarding cost and time savings, but will also create sustainable buildings.

‘With 4IR, the built industry has the opportunity to leapfrog to more efficient production, successful business models and competitive value chains. What all this tells me is that digitising Africa’s construction industry, from inception all the way through to facilities management, will make it more attractive to potential investors and, in turn, boost its contribution to GDP,’ says Johan van Wyk, Commercial Director, African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo.

Global hub for the African construction industry

Informing and assisting the industry on how to adapt to and embrace these and other changes, will be the focus of the African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo - the global hub for the African construction industry

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Materials EXPO

“

With 4IR, the built industry has the opportunity to leapfrog to more efficient production, successful business models and competitive value chains.”

– taking place from 9-11 June 2020, at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

Thousands of built environment professionals from over 45 countries are expected to attend the expo where they will get to learn new professional skills, discover the latest products and innovations showcased by more than 250 local and international exhibitors.

Stakeholder Engagement Forum

One of the highlights of the event will be the Stakeholder Engagement Forum, taking place on 10 June 2020, where, under this year’s theme of “Building Africa’s 4IR Readiness”, some of the brightest minds will examine how the built environment will thrive in the 4IR, based on the progress thus far.

These crucial discussions will not only support job creation in the sector but highlight how today’s projects should be planned, designed, operated and decommissioned.

Invited to deliver the keynote address during the Host Ministerial Opening Keynote on 9 June 2020, is the Honourable Patricia de Lille, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure. Also invited to participate are Geoff Makhubo, the Mayor of the City of Johannesburg and Tasneem Motara, the MEC for Infrastructure Development and Property Management from Gauteng Provincial Government.

Aubrey Tshalata, President of the National African Federation for the Building Industry (NAFBI), says, ‘The African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo remains one of the most relevant industry events as it presents a platform for industry players to convene under one roof to present new trends, engage with government and industry experts on key challenges and evaluate progress made in advancing technological innovation and transformation.’

4th African Smart Cities Summit

With President Ramaphosa mentioning the development of a new smart-city which would be ‘a truly post-apartheid city that would rise to change the social and economic apartheid spatial architecture,’ another drawcard will be the 4th African Smart Cities Summit, taking place from 9-12 June. The week-long summit has been devised in consultation with an advisory board comprised of 20 professionals from across the built environment and smart cities sector around the world. Among them are David Kramer, Deputy Director General: ICT at the Gauteng Provincial Government from South Africa; Oualid Ali, President of the Future Cities Council from Canada; Rose Moyo, Senior ICT Solution Expert at Huawei from South Africa; and Eng. John Tanui, Chief Executive Officer of Konza Technopolis Development Authority in Kenya.

The programme will include talks from high-profile industry players from across the continent. They will unpack how smarter cities can mitigate urban African challenges, provide a roadmap for the public and private sector to work together on supporting smart city transition and look to various smart city projects for lessons learnt, challenges faced, and solutions developed. In addition, attendees will get to explore exhibitor demos in the Smart Cities pavilion on the expo floor, attend the Smart Architecture Night School, and visit key sites to experience smart city solutions and technologies in action. Plus, excellence in the industry will be acknowledged at a glittering awards ceremony, taking place on 10 June.

‘We look forward to making your future work better and to building Africa together,’ concludes van Wyk. African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo www.africanconstructionexpo.com volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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Services CEILING FANS

A word on ceiling fans A manufacturer argues that there are many benefits when including a ceiling fan to your homes décor that go beyond cooling a room. Using ceiling fans throughout the home greatly reduces energy costs and adds to a home’s character.

Unpacking the benefits

Solent Trading’s High Breeze motor running 1200mm Palm Leaf Matt White blades.

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Installing a ceiling fan means gains in both fashion and function.

• Lower energy costs: Ceiling fans makes the room feel cooler and lower the electric bill by up to 40% percent when used instead of HVAC. • Style driven accessory: Ceiling fans are available in a variety of sizes, styles and finishes to compliment any unique interior style. They are more than just functional; they serve as a statement piece or the focal point of a room.

• Versatility offering: Whether it’s a living area, bedroom, screened-in porch or kitchen, ceiling fans contribute to making an environment enjoyable

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Services CEILING FANS

Fans are a stylish accessory in every room and can be a design feature of note.

and comfortable. However, if the user prefers an air conditioner, they need not be constrained. Run the air conditioner for a while and cool the room, then turn on the fan to circulate the cool air.

Limit the amount of time that the air conditioner stays on, supplement it with the ceiling fan.

• Lighting accessories: Select a fan that is light kit compatible for greater illumination benefits.

This will contribute to the layered lighting effect of the room. From a clever design perspective, the user should choose a light kit that compliments the fixtures and appliances in other areas of the home.

Light kits are versatile and functional.

• Year-round value: Many property owners are unaware that ceiling fans can be used to circulate

Comfortable living - summer and winter.

warm air during the cooler months of the year. By running the blades clockwise, ceiling fans push warm air down from the ceiling without creating a draft.

• Ceiling fan spares: Invest in a brand that has spares readily available, this is not only a game changer but also a money saver. Solent stocks spares of all their fan components, the benefit of this is that user you will never need to replace an entire ceiling fan again!

• Warranty is essential: Ensure that your ceiling fan comes with a warranty and it’s a bonus if there is a backup service offered as part of the purchase deal. Pay attention to these factors when buying your next fan.

See the supplier’s display advertisement for contact details. volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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Herman Miller

Services FURNITURE

The Herman Miller Cosm chair.

Global best invention shown in the Greenhouse To celebrate that TIME magazine had named a leading office chair called Cosm one of the top inventions of 2019, the local agents for Africa hosted a designer media lunch at the Greenhouse, a fine dining establishment at the Cellars Hohenhort boutique hotel in Cape Town.

Herman Miller and Gareth Griffiths

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he Cosm is designed by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller, named one of the 100 Best Inventions of 2019.

The chair was first launched at Salone Del Mobile in 2018 Studio 7.5’s elegant task chair, the Cosm, has reportedly “taken the design world by storm” since its launching. Celebrated for its sophisticated ergonomic design, the Cosm appears to be simplicity itself, yet the Studio says it took a decade of form-making, engineering and testing to achieve the final product.

According to Robert Reilly, regional manager for Herman Miller in South Africa: ‘The Cosm has already received numerous awards. This year, it received the Green Product Award and the Red Dot Best of the Best Product Design Award in the “Office Chairs” category

‘TIME magazine has named the Cosm as one of the 100 Best Inventions of 2019. There were a number of other inventions in the Awards that change the way we live, work, play and think about what’s possible.’

According to Reilly, nominations across a variety of categories were solicited by editors and correspondents across the globe and also online, with each contender scored for originality, effectiveness and influence. The prestigious list honours innovative thinking across disciplines.The Cosm was one of only three items recognised in the design category.

What makes the chair special?

It is the world’s first chair with an automatic tilt, called an Auto-Harmonic mechanism, which is a ‘smart’ technology

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Services FURNITURE

Robert Reilly, Herman Miller.

Cheryl Weidemann, Sales Manager of All Office enjoys the lunch.

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Janine Stephens, journalist, gives the chair a test drive.

situated in the gearbox below the seat – the Cosm automatically adapts to the user’s body, movement and posture, which makes manual adjustment unnecessary.

‘This means that whoever sits in the chair will feel balanced and comfortable at all times – and this is also partly due to Intercept, the continuous suspension material that supports the user’s contours. The chair’s flexible frame allows for free upper body movement while ensuring the sitter keeps his or her feet on the ground. This is critical to maintaining ergonomics,’ concludes Reilly..

This chair should be of particular interest to the green building community, where an emphasis on ergonomics is a key element in seeking ratings under the Green Star Interiors category.

There was great interest in the samples of various of the company’s chairs at the media event, which were tested with great relish. Far beyond the budget of the humble reporter or editor, the chairs definitely join this editor’s wish list, given the amount of time that our profession spends sitting with eyes glued on the computer screen!

There is a local stockist, All Office, who co-hosted the event with Herman Miller.

volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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GREEN BUILDING HVAC

Heat pumps offer an opportunity to expand sales One of the fastest growing sectors of the heat pump business is currently in the area of pools and jacuzzis, says Alliance.

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A heat pump can be inconspicuously tucked away out of sight.

H

eat pumps are normally bought by more affluent families wanting to extend the usage periods of their pools from a leisure perspective.

Commercial pool heat pumps offer owners of swimming schools, hotels and gyms an added value proposition to their business.

According to Fritz Klingenberg, Divisional Manager of Alliance, sales of Alliance pool heat pumps increased significantly compared with previous years.

New range

This growth can be attributed to a whole new range of Alliance pool and jacuzzi heat pumps that was launched in December 2018. These units are some of the most competitively priced units in the market offering great value for money.

The domestic range starts off with a 3.5kW unit suitable for both jacuzzis and small splash pools

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An Alliance domestic pool heat pump.

followed by 5.4, 7.6, 10, 13 and 16kW units respectively, suitable for commercial pools, gyms, swimming schools and in some cases, professional applications. The company also has a range of larger units for commercial use.

Obviously, the greatest attraction of pool heat pumps is their ability to heat water cost-effectively with minimal usage of electricity and no unsightly piping on roofs or complicated installation requirements.

Given the ever-increasing drive towards energy saving and “green� solutions these days, it is clear that Alliance Pool Heat Pumps are a potentially profitable addition to the business of plumbers or airconditioning companies.

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volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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2020/02/23 11:54 PM

GREEN BUILDING GREEN STAR

South Africa’s first interior 6-Star Green Star Award The Green Building Council of South Africa has awarded its first 6-Star Green Star rating in the category Interiors v.1.

FORMFUNC

T

o achieve this exclusive international rating, the project consultants along with IT solutions provider, Aethyr IT and design specialists, Mask.Design, and other contractors, had to assess every element of the fit-out and scope of work to ensure that it would score a rating of between 75 and 100 credits in accordance with the Green Star Rating Tool.

Categories evaluated and rated under the Green Star SA Rating Tool incorporate a range of factors and

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Kim Kowalski, Director of Formfunc.

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GREEN BUILDING GREEN STAR

elements that require forethought and consideration, from the materials used, to Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) and emissions. A strong focus is also placed on the efficient and responsible environmental stewardship in terms of energy, water and waste management.

The client, Formfunc Studio, is a leading ergonomic furniture supplier and exclusive distributor of the Humanscale® range of ergonomic office furniture in South Africa and the region.

Director and co-founder of Formfunc, Kim Kowalski, said that the aim of the project was to create a workspace that was not only functional but optimised health, wellness, productivity and efficiency -all within an advanced and ergonomically designed workspace.

‘As we are the exclusive distributor of Humanscale® ergonomic chairs, workstations and other office accessories to the southern African market, it was imperative that our office environment went beyond just an ergonomic solution but also reflected our brand and our philosophy of recreating workspaces that are simpler and healthier for our employees to work in,’ Kim explains.

The 6-Star approach

The company has adopted a “less is more” approach: The interior space features unplastered walls and exposed ceilings, minimising the use of redundant resources; floor-to-ceiling glazing that takes advantage of the natural sunlight, allowing for a large quantity of natural daylight throughout.

The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC system) were designed to improve outside air rates into the building - above SANS 10400 requirements, whilst

Implementation team Lead consultant and implementer: The Terramanzi Group Architects: Justin Barker Architects Design specialists (lighting): Mask.Design It Specialists: Aethyr IT HVAC Consultants: Mass Air Conditioning Steel Subcontractor : Cadcon

sensors monitor and control carbon dioxide levels within the office.

Water and electrical meters have also been installed to offer live-time consumption updates on multiple mobile devices and reduce overall water and electricity usage.

Consideration was also given to the paint and sealant products used to make sure that they had extremely minimal, to no VOCs. The office also has a recycling station and a composting unit for organic waste. To further encourage the reduction in carbon emissions, employees have direct access to a cyclist and motorbike parking on the premises.

‘It has been a challenging and ambitious project,’ notes Kowalski. ‘But it has also been a labour of love and is a fitting tribute - and a living legacy to Peter Kowalski, my husband and co-founder of the company we started 10 years ago.’ volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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GREEN BUILDING HANDLING PLASTIC WASTE

Industry-managed Waste Management Plan The plastics and packaging industries of South Africa, represented by Packaging SA and Plastics SA, recently welcomed the announcement made by Barbara Creecy, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) to scrap the existing Section 28 plan for developing an Industry Waste Management Plan (IndWMP) for the paper and packaging industry.

T

his is of significance to the building industry, where large amounts of packaging and other plastic waste are often left unattended, or dumped in an irresponsible way.

Industry to manage the plan

Although the development of this plan has already been more than three years in the making, Minister Creecy announced in December that she would be starting an entirely new process under Section 18, as this would allow for an industry-managed plan as opposed to a government-managed plan.

Admitting that the Minister’s announcement came as a surprise, Shabeer Jhetam, Executive Director of Packaging SA, said that they welcomed the Minister’s insight and decision.

‘We believe the Minister has made the right decision. Through our engagements with her over the past few months, we were able to introduce her to the excellent work done by the various packaging streams through their various Producer Responsibility Organisations, including Polyco (Polyolefin material), PETCO (Polyethylene terephthalate – PET), The Glass Recycling Company (glass packaging) MetPac-SA (Metal packaging) Polystyrene Association of South Africa (High Impact and Expanded Polystyrene) South African Vinyls Association (vinyl products) and the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (paper products).

‘These organisations are all industry-funded and managed and are focussed on growing the collection and recycling of the various packaging streams in order to demonstrate their members’ commitment to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). As a result of

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Shabeer Jhetam

their consistent and concerted efforts South Africa has managed to grow its recycling figures on a yearly basis over the past 10 years to become one of the world leaders in mechanical recycling.

‘We are sending less material to landfill thanks to light weighting and progress in developing a circular economy for each industry. A government-managed plan would have had the potential of nullifying these achievements and making it more difficult for these organisations to access the funds needed to fulfil their mandates,” Jhetam says.

Industry responds

Commenting on behalf of the plastics industry, Plastics|SA’s Executive Director Anton Hanekom said they too were relieved to learn of the Minister’s decision to develop a new plan under Section 18 of the Waste Management Act, in close consultation with industry representatives.

‘We have always advocated for an industry-managed plan where the producers of packaging materials are held responsible for managing their waste through belonging to industry bodies that represent their interests and drive their own recycling and collection efforts. The failure of previous initiatives such as Buyisa e-Bag and Redisa triggered serious warning bells for us and highlighted the need for proper governance, transparency and credibility.

‘We cannot afford to gamble with the future of our environment and need a plan that will allow us to use collection and recycling mechanisms that have already been put into place and have proven to be successful.

I am confident that this new approach will best serve the interests of the country, the environment and the industry,’ says Hanekom.

volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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GREEN BUILDING HANDLING PLASTIC WASTE

Ecobricks at the V&A Waterfront project Interestingly, industry is responding to the plastic crisis (See A Material World To Build Vol 9 Issue3) A significant construction project currently underway at the Cape Town V&A Waterfront, has announced its use of 12 000 ‘ecobricks’ in its new commercial development eco-project, called The Ridge.

At The Ridge in the Portswood District of the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, planners have found an innovative means of removing PET waste from landfill by reusing it inside concrete flooring on site. It also reduces the use of virgin EPS-based void forming shapes.

In addition, thousands of plastic and plastic foil packets from consumables such as potato chips, chocolate wrappers, cling wrap and shopping bags are used as stuffing inside the PET bottles and bottles and removed from waste.

The Ridge project will consume an unbelievable 12 000 ecobricks, each displacing 2 litres of concrete. All bottles underwent a quality control process once on site as undertaken by the main contractor’s team. This innovation, according to the recycling experts, is a potential world-first for a commercial project of this nature.

At an average density of concrete being 2.4kg/litre for Portland Cement Concrete (PCC), this equates to a displacement of 57 600kg (or 57 tons) of concrete in the absence of any other void forming material being used.

The material, cost-saving and environmental benefit of this programme is significant.

‘Ecobricks are essentially “time capsules” which can be re-used by future generations, when new technologies become available and they have finished their current purpose of sequestering tons of plastic waste from landfill, saving megatons of CO2 pollution,’ says Mark Noble, the Development Director at the V&A Waterfront.

Above: Ecobrick planters for charity food garden – V&A Waterfront.

Right: Johan Bosch and Fuzile Ntsume – both GVK. Gareth Griffiths

volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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GREEN BUILDING RENEWABLE ENERGY

State of renewable energy in SA

Since we last reported on the matter, there has been considerable progress made towards an envisaged low carbon energy future for SA, in support of green buildings and sustainability in general. Here, we report on the current renewables landscape in South Africa.

SOLA Group

R

ecent milestones at a strategic governmental level have included the long-awaited release of the government’s Integrated Resources Plan 2019 (IRP).

Shortly thereafter, the Minister of Minerals and Energy alluded to certain rights being given to independent power producers to generate and supply electricity direct to users, especially with reference to the mining industry.

This is the first time that a senior cabinet minister has referred to the passing of legislation that could directly mitigate the monopoly that Eskom has over the supply and distribution of electricity to consumers, including municipalities.

This was backed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who in his State of the Nation Address specifically referred to the renewable energy sector.

In his SONA, the President said that a Section 34 Ministerial Determination will give effect to the Integrated Resource Plan 2019, enabling the development of additional grid capacity from renewable energy. However, the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) has commented that this is only the first step in delivering new power into the grid.

‘Thereafter, the industry will wait for a Request for Proposals (Bid Window 5 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme – acronym REI4P), the announcement of a preferred bidders; and financial closure period (which takes about 12 months), before the power purchase agreements are signed. Then construction can commence, with new projects reaching commercial operation date within 18 to 24 months,’ says a statement issued by SAWEA CEO, Ntombifuthi Ntuli.

The Ibhayi Brewery (SAB) - new microgrid by SOLA.

‘The President has (also) actively prioritised regaining investor confidence and specifically set an investment growth target of R1 trillion over the next five years, which the REI4P will help deliver,’ says Ntuli.

‘With 14.4GW of wind having been allocated in the IRP (for implementation by 2030), giving wind energy 18% of the total capacity allocation, the wind industry views the commitment to 1.6GW per annum as a positive step by government as this allocation will allow Original Equipment Manufacturers and first tier suppliers to commit to local manufacturing of certain components, which contributes directly to job creation,’ concluded Ntuli.

Although he could not be contacted for comment within deadlines, the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) Chief Operating Officer, Niveshen Govender, was reported by ENGINEERING NEWS to have welcomed the fact that the energy crisis had been prioritised in the SONA, arguing that this demonstrated that government had grasped the seriousness of the situation. The solar industry was ready and waiting for the Section 34 Ministerial Determination, as well as future rounds of the REI4P, he told the publication.

Environmental consideration and regulation

The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) committed some years back to contribute to the implementation of the renewable energy plans by undertaking Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) to identify adaptive processes that integrate the regulatory environmental requirements for Strategic volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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GREEN BUILDING RENEWABLE ENERGY

Integrated Projects (SIPs) while safeguarding the environment. This resulted in identified areas where large scale wind and solar PV energy facilities can be developed in a manner that limits significant negative impacts on the environment, while yielding the highest possible socio-economic benefits to the country. These areas are referred to as Renewable Energy Development Zones (REDZs). The CSIR is a research partner in this process with the DEA. Subsequently, in its second phase, the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) energy in South Africa proposes three additional Renewable Energy Development Zones (REDZs) for wind and solar photovoltaic energy projects.

Renewable energy projects that could be developed in these new REDZs have the potential to make significant contributions to mine rehabilitation and to support a just energy transition in the specified areas including where 12GW of existing coal power stations are planned to be decommissioned by 2030.

‘The IRP 2019 has identified the requirement for at least an additional 14.4GW of wind and 6GW of solar PV by 2030 amongst a range of other new-build capacity

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Subiaco/BlueScope

GRI Renewables – wind turbine factory, Atlantis.

including coal, gas, imported hydro and storage’, says a statement by the CSIR. To Build spoke to Dom Wills, CEO of the SOLA Group, one of successful participants in the REI4P BW1,3 and 4. They are also downstream operators in the PV value chain. The SOLA Group also specialises in microgrid systems across the continent.

According to Wills, an amendment to the Act which gives Eskom its privileged status to generate and distribute electricity in South Africa is essential. This view was echoed by SAPVIA, which stated that the DMRE and Nersa need to finalise changes to Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act so as to expedite self-generation projects.

‘The key to this vision is that the grid becomes independently operated. An independent grid operator can run an energy market on a willing buyer willing seller basis. This market can have a spot price for energy sales, but there could also be futures, derivative products, etc. A completely open market will allow economics to dominate and multiple sellers of energy to enter the market. This is a robust solution, as there are multiple companies who provide energy to the country instead of relying on one which is the case currently,’ says Wills.

volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION UCT MWANA MWALE

Food for plants ‘I have always wanted to specialise in water, but I had not decided what exactly in water. The drought that Cape Town experienced became a lens through which I could view water. Initially I was interested in the management of water, but the idea of viewing urine as a resource pushed the boundaries; to say that waste streams such as urine can help solve the water issue and at the same time be useful as fertiliser, for example. That which drew me closer to the project was its nature. It is original and it encourages a change of mind-set for all of society.’

Lerato Maduna

T

hese are the words of Mwana Mwale, a master’s degree candidate at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town.

Mwale, the top student in UCT Civil Engineering Honours class 2019, is celebrating a second place win for her research thesis in the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) National Investigative Project (IP) Showdown.

120

Urine contains the nutrients required for plant growth.

It comprises about 80% nitrogen, 70% potassium and 50% phosphorous. With these nutrients, fertiliser can be produced from the urine. The idea is that the fertiliser will be used to grow plants, hence, assist with food production.

The more the supply, the less the cost for society.

As a young civil engineer, Mwale likes to keep an open mind about her career going forward.

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PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION UCT MWANA MWALE

‘A career for me will be one that is led by opportunities that have presented themselves and speak to the kind of impact I want to have within a certain area. To say I see myself as a civil engineer in the future, will be very limiting. The skills I acquire and the type of thinking I develop within the space I find myself in are the things I will carry forward in the journey of my career,’ she admits.

So, just what does it take to be the recipient of the SAICE award? We asked Mwale about her background and what drives her in her profession.

‘I am from the East Rand in Gauteng, from Daveyton.

I consider myself fortunate to have lived with both my parents and my older brother. Love, respect, obedience, discipline and many other moral values were constantly reaffirmed during my upbringing. I would describe myself as a typical daddy’s girl. My father studied electrical engineering and being around him sparked my curiosity for mathematics and science,’ she says.

Mwale also has an interest in playing football, influenced by her brother, and in all things mathematical. She is lucky to have the support of an extensive family who are right behind her. Her mother taught her discipline and helped make her what she is today. Of the rest, she says: ‘The list is endless when it comes to family because everyone – my grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, schoolteachers, friends – have all had a great impact in my life.’

The project

What is important about this research?

‘The uses we had in mind when the concept was first introduced were local farmers. The fertiliser-production urinal that was developed by Flanagan & Randall (2018) offers a cheap and economic way to produce fertilisers.

This will give the local farmers a competitive edge and will help them compete in the market. The urinal recovers 11.23 ± 1.3g of solid fertiliser per kg of urine, but we can also make a liquid fertiliser,’ Mwale explains.

This finding further justifies why the separation of urine and faeces at source is so crucial for future sanitation systems. Mwale’s work also has implications for the removal of pharmaceuticals from various types of wastewaters, which is especially relevant when the recycling and reuse of wastewater are taken into consideration.

Pixabay

‘Urine also contains about 65% of the pharmaceuticals we as humans ingest, so we wanted to see if we could remove them, thus making any products we produce safer,’ Mwale explains.

‘Conventional wastewater treatment systems do not usually remove pharmaceuticals from wastewater. This is especially relevant when we want to recycle and reuse

wastewater. By trying to remove the pharmaceuticals upfront from the processes, allows us to design better sanitation systems for the future.’

In 2017, Mwale’s academic supervisor, senior lecturer Dr Dyllon Randall, and student Craig Flanagan, had developed a fertiliser-producing urinal that uses no water and does not have to be connected to a sewage line to operate. The urinal works by increasing the pH of the urine via the addition of calcium hydroxide.

With the help of a senior lecturer in pharmaceuticals at UWC, Mwale researched whether such a high operating pH would also degrade the pharmaceuticals present in the urine, thus providing a safer product. She did, however, find that the pharmaceuticals would degrade far more quickly than anticipated and that the resource as collected through fertiliser-producing urinals, will in all likelihood naturally degrade during storage with no additional treatment.

volume 10 | issue 1 www.tobuild.co.za

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notes Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior Décor

Fourways Airconditioning South Africa – your go-to place for all your Airconditioning and Heat Pump requirements. volume | issue 1 · E: sales@fourwaysaircon.co.za ·www.fourwaysaircon.co.za T: +27 (0)1110704 6320 www.tobuild.co.za

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Geo-polymer injection is a non-disruptive, efficient alternative to conventional underpinning and piling which Uretek has advanced due to over 30 years of research, development, testing and installation. The implementation of the Uretek geo-polymer injection system can be be categorised as proactive (improving the strength of soils to facilitate an increase in loading or combating long term settlement) or reactive (remediation of subsidence).

Uretek is constantly striving to make developments both in terms of geo-polymers (developing existing materials and creating new geo-polymers) and of best practice for installation/verification. As a result of this Uretek is able to adapt to meet the requirements of both our clients and the sites we work on. This ensures that Uretek’s non disruptive ethos is upheld, as well as enabling Uretek to continue to demonstrate the main benefits of geo-polymer injection.

These are: • Speed • Lack of disruption • Efficiency • Minimal plant • Minimal environmental impact • No need to excavate.

With the body of research substantiating the use of geo-polymer injection and over 200,000 projects delivered by Uretek alone in the last 30 years, the use of geo-polymers is now a mainstream consideration for consultant engineers around the world.

For more information about what makes URETEK the best choice contact: T: +27 (0)11 238 7154 l E: info@uretek.co.za l www.uretek.co.za

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volume 10 | issue 1 March - June 2020

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SECURE

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environment-friendly

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CLAYBRICK.ORG

FOR GOOD, FOREVER! Ceramic clay bricks and pavers offer a stylish, timeless appeal with impressive sustainability credentials. Eco-friendly clay brick masonry provides natural insulation against temperature extremes while minimizing humidity and noise.

Download free technical information at www.claybrick.org Promoting Inclusive Sustainable Practices in the South African Clay Brick Sector Switch Africa Green is co-funded by the European Union

Claybrick Association_fcp.indd 1

2020/02/24 12:03 AM