To build - Issue 13

To Build Handbook

issue 13 | Novem

ber 2014 - February 2015

Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior DécorTO BUILD

Issue 13 • November 2014 - February 2015

Adding Value

Woman of Designs

Telling Vovo Telo

Cool Roofs

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issue 13www.tobuild.co.za

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“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds

that you plant” – Robert Louis Stevenson.

The To Build team always maintains professionalism, honesty

and assistance to our advertisers, contributors and readers to

sustain a healthy and productive relationship.

We are committed to growing this publication, not only to provide

useful and insightful information for our readers, but also to create

excellent exposure for our advertisers and add value to their

investment.

We thank each and every one of you for your amazing contributions

throughout the year, whether in the form of advertising or editorial.

Without this valuable input we’d be unable to educate and inform our

readers of the latest trends and technologies available.

We look forward to your contribution and advertising support in

our 2015 editions.

We wish you a happy festive season and a prosperous 2015.

Elroy and the TO BUILD team www.tobuild.co.za

FOREWORD

Season’s Greetings!‘ !

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To Build Handbook

issue 13 | Novem

ber 2014 - February 2015


Issue 13 • November 2014 - February 2015

Adding Value

Woman of Designs

Telling Vovo Telo

Cool Roofs

COVER ART ADENDORFF ARCHITECTS & INTERIORS

PUBLISHER

MEDIA XPOSEExcellence in exposure

Tel: +27 21 424 3625Fax: +27 86 516 7277PO Box 15165, Vlaeberg, 8018

EDITORGareth Griffi ths [email protected]

SUB EDITOREmma Dawson [email protected]

PROJECT MANAGERElroy van Heerden [email protected]

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORSAdvocate Bryan C HackAndrew EtzingerArnold SivhadaBlueScope Steel, AustraliaClaudia FerreiraFrans BadenhorstGareth Griffi ths ImagingLauren ShantallNicola IrvingRobin SchultzThandiwe NkambuleZelna Oberholster

DESIGN & LAYOUTCDC Design [email protected]

ADVERTISING SALESRene van HeerdenIsmail AbrahamsSamantha MorrisonWendy Scullard

CLIENT LIAISON MANAGER – JHBMegan ConnorTel: +27 11 792 7529 Mobile: 072 873 [email protected]

CONTENT CO-ORDINATORMelanie Taylor Tel: +27 21 424 3625Fax: +27 86 516 [email protected]

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERShaun Mays Tel: +27 21 424 3625 [email protected]

ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT Melany Smith Tel: +27 21 424 3625 [email protected]

DISTRIBUTION Melany SmithTel: +27 21 424 3625 [email protected]

PRINTED BY Paarl Media Paarlwww.paarlmedia.co.za

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.


like us on facebook www.tobuild.co.za

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Foreword 2

Editor’s Note 10

Cover Story: Adendorff Architects & Interior Designers & Lighting Innovations 12,13

Editor’s Choice 28,29,30,31

News & Views 22,23,24,25

Student Designs 184,185

Out & About 182,183

Advertisers Index 188

Notes Page 186

DivisionsProfessions

Architects 34,35,38

Construction 40,42,44

Developers 46,48

Design - Interior & Exterior 50,51,53

Facilities Management 55,56

Landscaping 58,60

Engineering 62

Systems

Automation 64,66

Air - Conditioning 68,70,74

Bathrooms 76,82


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16149

160

November 2014-February 2015issue13

CONTENTS

Electrical 87,90

Floors 93,97

Kitchens 98,100

Roofs 101,104,106

Security & Safety 110,111

Walls & Cladding 112,115

Windows & Doors 117,120,122

Materials

Adhesives 124,126

Bricks & Paving 127,128

Cement & Concrete 131,136

Coatings & Paint 138,140

Insulation 142,144

Timber & Decking 149

Services

Plumbing & Reticulation 156,158

Furniture & Furnishings 160

Green Building Green Building Council 163,168,169

Office Greening 165

Solar 166

Public Food Gardens 171

Energy Saving 172,173,176,177

Opinion 180,181


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Adding value ................................................ 012

Woman of designs ....................................... 016

V&A sustainability ......................................... 019

News & Reviews ........................................... 022

Editor’s Choice ............................................. 028

CCNIA Architects ......................................... 034

Women in Architecture Awards ................. 038

XCMG South Africa ...................................... 040

Accidents are not unplanned .................... 042

Channel rehabilitation................................. 044

Legal opinion ................................................ 046

Pivotal development ................................... 048

Telling Vovo Telo ........................................... 051

Facilities management and risk ................. 055

An icon restored ........................................... 058

Women in engineering ................................ 062

G-Speak ........................................................ 064

GSM commander ........................................ 066

Mixed use aircon saves money .................. 068

Innovative natural ventilation control ....... 070

Air conditioning advice ............................... 074

Tapping into serious projects ...................... 076

High flexibility ................................................ 082

Morné Steyn’s green power ....................... 087

Enjoy holidays and save .............................. 090

Final floor solution ......................................... 093

Fibreglass walkways ..................................... 097

Mixing for the kitchen .................................. 098

Kitchens on show ......................................... 100

Cool roofs ...................................................... 101

Polyurea for a tough job ............................. 104

Cool roofs continued ................................... 110

Life safety tankage systems ........................ 111

Banking on tiles ............................................. 112

Clever Off Shutter cladding ........................ 115

House Bosch case history ............................ 117

Life through the fenster ............................... 120

uPVC windows .............................................. 122

Science advances human progress .......... 124

Safety first: adhesives ................................... 126

Suspended paving in the bag ................... 127

Fresh light on precast ................................... 131

Huge security wall ........................................ 136

Quality from a trailblazer ............................. 138

Smart Wall Paint ............................................ 140

To green, or not to green? .......................... 141

A brand taking flight .................................... 144

Deck this out ................................................. 149

Garden irrigation maintenance ................. 156

Seating innovations ..................................... 160

Convention reportback .............................. 163

Office greening ............................................ 165

First solar convention SA .............................. 166

EDGE launch ................................................. 168

City of Eden Food Wall ................................ 171

Energy benchmarking ................................. 172

Energy efficiency advice ............................ 176

Opinion .......................................................... 180

Out & About ................................................. 182

Student designs ............................................ 184

CONTENTS


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In this edition of To Build, we cover a selection of some important South African events and innovations of the past 11 months. With the built environment responsible for 40% of the world’s total primary energy consumption and all the resulting global environmental impacts, the role of media such as To Build in communicating trends and widening the debate to architects, designers, various professionals, project managers, developers and investors in the industry is paramount.

Therefore we are always pleased to meet a professional media-friendly organisation such as Cape Town’s World Design Capital 2014 implementation company and its media consulting partners who have been a pleasure to interact with. Professional and timley invites to functions and well prepared media releases – they get To Build’s media bunch of roses for 2014. Indeed, there are many other organisations and suppliers that also excel in PR, and the results of their efforts are seen in the column inches of coverage they receive in the industry or trade magazines. To Build also has some excellent contributors whose professional and independent thinking has helped to inform the market and stimulate the debate. In this edition, we are pleased to introduce an esteemed advocate at the Cape Bar, who has experience in the built environment, to our ranks as a contributor of legal advice for the industry.

One of the other big and significant events we covered again this year was the Green Building Convention 2014 as organised by the Green Building Council of South Africa. It was packed with fascinating speakers who wowed their audience with the latest trends, innovations and news from across the globe. If there is an ongoing disappointment however, it would be the media policy and its execution for this major event. Each year it seems to be more difficult to get access and to obtain information arising from out of the event. We hope you enjoy the read in this our Good Luck Edition 13.

Plan, Design, Build, Interior & Exterior DécorTO BUILDed’s letter

Gareth Griffiths [email protected] www.professionalphotoshoots.co.za

Regards

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cover story adendorff architects

What began as any normal client/architect relationship between Port Elizabeth-based Adendorff Architects & Interiors and its client, an international supplier and manufacturer of lighting solutions, Lighting Innovations, quickly developed into a collaborative relationship that pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved when technical knowledge and design expertise is combined.

When it came to the R60-million relocation of the factory and office component of Lighting Innovations, to Greenbushes in Port Elizabeth, the company’s first priority was to establish its factory and ensure that production lines were installed. This process, together with new state-of-the-art robotic technology, had to be completed first. Next was the office component and photometric laboratory with the Goniometer and Integrated Sphere. With its cutting-edge lighting technology being utilised, Lighting Innovations (that

A collaborative relationship developed between an architect and its client, a manufacturer of lighting solutions.

Adding Value

Photos by Adendorff Architects and Lighting Innovations

also has offices in other parts of the country), was able to drastically reduce electricity consumption and play its part in helping to preserve the environment.

The brief to Adendorff Architects & Interiors called for offices that would represent the company’s philosophy and advancements in terms of lighting manufacturing and development. Furthermore, it called for the architects to capture the identity of the company within the space as a showcase of Lighting Innovations’ capabilities. Discussions led to the conclusion that the offices and integrated spaces be developed to include a future proposal of a standalone showroom pavilion.

With this specific brief in mind, Adendorff Architects & Interiors began developing the concept for the office component by drawing inspiration from the fundamentals of light transmission as seen through

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issue 13 www.tobuild.co.za

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adendorff architects cover storyPh

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by

Aden

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Adendorff Architects T +27 41 581 4765F +27 86 618 2183E [email protected] www.adendorffarchitects.co.zaLighting InnovationsE [email protected] W www.lightinginnovations.co.za

a triangular prism. Visible light – often referred to as “white light”, is made up of component colours. These colours can be observed during passage through a triangular prism. When transmitted, the white light is separated into its component colours – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. (The Physics Classroom 2014.)

Thus, derived from the angular characteristic of the triangular prism, the concept was dominant in design decisions and carried through to all the spaces, from the exterior clip-on component with its angular cut-out form, to the volumetric shapes and colours of the furniture and lighting fixtures. The strong collaboration between the architect and the client is evident, with custom light fittings designed especially for the various spaces and in line with the concept, which were then resolved technically in terms of the quality of the illumination by the technical team at Lighting Innovations.

The concept is further reflected in the design of feature pieces, such as the reception desk, steel benches, comic-strip-covered angular coffee lounge chairs, 3D wall panels in the boardroom, and custom-designed 3D artwork in the passageway. The introduction of quirky humour in vinyl decals on glazed panels adds to the interest and individuality of the work environment for clients and staff.

In terms of design, the result of this collaboration between architect and client is that Lighting Innovations is able to stand up to its name of “Innovation” in its ability to manufacture custom cut-steel light fittings using its new laser-cutting machine and automated bending machine. Through this technology it also demonstrated its ability to bridge the gap between simple mass-produced light manufacturing and producing custom lighting solutions.

Adendorff Architects is able to tie together a strong concept and see it through, from a macro to micro scale, with its thorough attention to detail and skills in architectural, interior and industrial design.

The success of this collaboration ensures a long-term future partnership in design and manufacturing between the two companies, allowing for new possibilities to be explored.

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lead story word design capital 2014

“We’ve all become event managers,” says Reesberg when speaking about recent logistics needed to host an important international conference that involved the input of all three spheres of South African government. Herein seems to lie one of the lessons of design as a function. It cuts across numerous disciplines or industry verticals. It seems only appropriate that the Design Policy Conference (noted as a huge success) was staged at the Cape Town Stadium, itself a topic of discussion and possible redesign from its original purpose for 2010.

On a global level, Reesberg feels that the narrative around the social impacts of design projects have placed South African case studies on the centre stage. For example, projects by NGOs and other organisations that would normally have been too small to be noticed globally are now receiving international recognition and attention. While the two prior World Design Capital initiatives had a strong focus on designing, Cape Town’s 2014 initiative came at just the right time in terms of global interest and participation. “We engaged the hottest topic of the design world – the issue of the architect or engineer consulting with community around the design and its impact.”

Design “You can’t just design. The user is important and, traditionally, has been underemphasised and designers have tended to speak on behalf of users,” she adds.

So, what is different about the Cape Town 2014 initiative? “Previous Word Design Capitals were about product design. This is the first WDC initiative to address social issues.”

WDC2014 has struggled to find sponsorship, especially in the aftermath of 2010 and other major

By Gareth GriffithsPhotos by Gareth Griffiths Imaging

Alayne Reesberg is the dynamic CEO of Cape Town’s Word Design Capital 2014 (WDC2014). In October, during the organisation’s final three months in operation, To Build spoke to her in the lead-up to the highly-important Design Policy Conference.

Woman of designs

sporting events. Reesberg says that the city funded the organisation operationally and that they raised additional cash, to the tune of R8-million, by means of “hand-to-hand combat tactics”.

How has the city benefited? Reesberg believes that the city has benefited on numerous levels.

Regarding publicity, Reesberg believes that the CT WDC2014 project has achieved a big impact on global and local levels. On spontaneous global media publicity that the city of Cape Town and South Africa have achieved, the scorecard stands at over R1.4-billion in column inches. “The publicity,” she adds, “has not been about Table Mountain and Chardonnay, but about World Design Capital Cape Town and projects.”

By way of identifying, nurturing and promoting local design initiatives, the city is actually very rich in local development thanks to four universities, much innovation, and high levels of tech development backed with local ingenuity. As an example, Reesberg points to the city’s Indigenous Knowledge Capturing project near Mamre, on the West Coast. Here, indigenous and time-honoured local knowledge brings invaluable lessons to development – site location and the use of appropriate local materials, including local thatching styles and building with straw bales infused with mud slurry, used as a building material, which is then sealed with mud.

“In 2014, we will channel the energy and innovation of individuals, communities and firms that use design every day, to create solutions into a series of events that celebrate design as a driver of social and economic change in the urban environment.” Alderman Patricia de Lille, Executive Mayor of Cape Town.

Identify, nurture and promote local design initiativesFrom a local perspective, the core attribute has been empathy. A combination of NGO’s has the paradigm of placing users at the centre of the context.

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word design capital 2014 lead storyPhotos by G

areth Griffiths Im

aging

International involvement and assistanceIn terms of international involvement and assistance, Reesberg mentions the input of the Dutch, the British Council, the Italians and the Danes, in particular.

While on a mission of exporting designs to the rest of the world, the Dutch were convinced to share their knowledge and expertise in high-density urban development strategies with the City. As a result, five curators from Holland got involved in identifying “three controversial high-density sites” around Cape Town, which will become the centre of future projects. While Cape Town has a socio-economic history informed by its past and by wealth, the reality is that orderly social development hinges on the workforce living close to their places of employment.

While the Dutch offered their expertise, the British Council assisted with its Maker Library.

Anchored in South Africa’s rural past, the paradigm has always been “making do with what we have”. As such, South Africa’s destiny should depend on a return to artisan skills. While the post-war German economy was saved by small businesses installing services such as air conditioning units, Cape Town (and

elsewhere in SA) is already a “city of makers”. British and other visiting design specialists were fascinated and enchanted by the virtual upcycling of waste taking place in the townships – such as materials used in shack making for human habitation. From this was surely born the motto of the Design Conference 2014, Make a Plan.

The New Italian design Italian designers spent some time in Cape Town and presented an exhibition featuring the work of 122 young designers who worked with new materials, including waste items. The Danes have also come to Cape Town to learn and exchange. The concept is that two-way sharing is best practice.

Alayne Reesberg at the WDC2014 offices



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lead story word design capital 2014

World Design Capital 2014W www.wdccapetown2014.comE [email protected] +27 086 000 7410

Role of civil societyThe NGO space is the only link between the “haves” and “have nots” of Cape Town, and Reesberg drew on her experiences working at Microsoft for Gates, to address this vital sector of civil society. Interventions included NGO grooming sessions and pitching sessions. “NGO’s are disorganised because they do not have their stories straight and did not have any metrics. Emotional tug is not enough to connect the NGO to the sources of funding in the private sector, so we provided skills and tools as part of our nurturing initiative. It is our intention to push NGO’s to the point of professionalism,” Reesberg maintains.

Indeed, R1-million was raised for projects presented at pitching sessions via crowd sourcing, and PwC became involved with the prospect of assistance via its Luxembourg-based Accelerator programme.

Landmark projectsWhile a large number of projects were interacted with, the most promising are:• Go Metro (train App based on public uploading info)• Guild – Trevor and Julie McGowan – which is to

become an annual event where the emphasis has been on quality “make the best, sell the best”. The guild of designers was stimulated to stand behind one project

• Watershed in the V&A was developed for showing the best of the stuff R50-million investment

• Urban gardening/Ninja Gardens• Two Rivers Urban Park• UCT/CPUT “pop-up” course collaborative for design• Cycling initiatives in the City, which take into account

the needs of the recreational and commuting cyclists. A legacy of WDC2014 could be the birth and rollout of a comprehensive strategy that makes the city accessible from areas where many obstacles currently exist. The City already has critical mass, even from a global perspective, as being one for cycling events

• Redesign for pre-schools in Bonteheuvel and Du Noon• Medium-sized economic impact projects, such as

Argriprotein and Mellowcabs. • The Square Kilometer Array (SKA) – a large scale

project destined to put the country on the global map

At a national levelAt a national level it is clear that government policy is driving the post-1994 approach of a focus on the poor. A more enlightened and effective approach might be to

To Build thanks Alayne Reesberg for the time she took out of her busy schedule to share her perspective with the editor. The commitment of the World Design Capital initiative to proactive media relations is commendable and we acknowledge the positive role of Priscilla Urquhart, media and marketing manager in this regard.

focus on an economic development policy that involves best practice design. Viable policy departure points are needed to drive socio-economic development in all provinces – the bipartisan approach has worked well in New Zealand.

The Design Policy Conference could prove to be a starting or convening point, especially as the government minister who heads up arts and culture is involved in presenting the conference closing speech.

And the future?At this stage it is too early to say which of the undertakings will have ongoing impact. There have literally been hundreds of projects. All initiatives will be transferred to the most appropriate custodians who will be required to commit to such custody.

A key recommendation is that the NGO/civic group pitching sessions should continue annually because these are helping to connect the community to corporates. South Africa is unique from the perspective of NGO activity and involvement.

“We were aware that the ideas were there – we have simply watered the soil and made them grow a bit. Now the new custodians must sign up for them. We learned that the social impact of design is routed in this city. We have simply celebrated it,” says Reesberg.

“Regarding the built environment, our August symposium reignited with architects as their voices are often not heard. Much indigenous knowledge is coming back to built-environment conferences. Students of design are demanding to learn multi-disciplinary subjects, and do not want to work in silos.

“Developers need to look at new and innovative business models. New arrivals in the city looking for work can’t be expected to get onto buses and leave the city every night to go home,” Reesberg concludes.



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V&A Waterfront lead story

During the week of the Green Building Council of South Africa’s annual convention, delegates were afforded the opportunity of a visit to the V&A Waterfront. V&A Executive Manager charged with Operations, Colin Devenish, hosted the group and explained in detail what makes the V&A property tick to a sustainable beat. It has been an incremental process, working with existing buildings, and addressing the low hanging fruit first to get maximum impact as early as possible in the process.

Although many initiatives have been undertaken, the principle thrust has been in the areas of:

Energy efficiencyMore efficient climate control in buildings, monitoring of energy consumption of each tenant and the use of energy-efficienct lighting wherever possible.

To Build’s editor undertakes a walkabout tour of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront to help understand the sustainable nature of facilities management there and what makes for smooth operation.

V&A under the skin sustainability

Photos by Gareth G

riffiths Imaging

V&A WaterfrontColin DevenishT +27 21 408 7724E [email protected]

New energy efficient chillers link several buildings.

Composting of wet waste feeds the gardens.

Efficient water usageThe planting of indigenous gardens that use minimal water, grey water recycling wherever possible and numerous other measures. Waste minimisation and recylingBasic separation of refuse at the source, compacting and sending to processing off-site. Composting of all green waste and food scraps. Compost fed into V&A gardens.

Use of low water consumption plants.

Involving the public in water saving campaigns.

Separation of waste at the source.


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news and views


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Earlier this year, PPC’s Imaginarium Awards – comprising six categories that recognise innovation and design in architecture, film, sculpture, fashion, jewellery and industrial design – were launched with great excitement.

According to PPC, the Imaginarium is a creativity awards platform that ensures exposure for previously unknown and emerging artists and designers, and serves as a platform for the promotion of their creativity and talent.

The Imaginarium aims to become a primary platform to support and promote innovative thinking in art and design in South Africa, and to provide assistance to young emerging artists and designers with the aim of seeing them grow into leaders in their respective industries.

The initial period for entries closed at the end of July, and final submissions are due at the beginning of December 2014. Finalists’ entries in each category will be exhibited and category winners, each receiving R50 000, will be announced at the PPC Imaginarium Awards exhibition in Gauteng in January 2015.

At an exhibition being held in Cape Town in February 2015, the organisers will declare the overall PPC Imaginarium winner who will receive R100 000.

The awards are open to South African citizens, residence holders, and foreign students with study permits, who are not yet professionally established in their respective fields.

Biligom is the registered trade name for a Eucalyptus structural timber that can be used to manufacture trusses. The timber itself is cut from young Eucalyptus trees, which are left to dry in the plantations for six weeks. They are then sized and finger jointed before treatment.

While developing the product, the timber was assessed at the University of Stellenbosch and the various strength properties were allocated. Biligom then adopted a quality assurance scheme in collaboration with SATAS, where the timber was structurally graded to Grade 7 as defined in SANS 10163.

Final submissions due December.

PPC’s Imaginarium Awards

Supporting Biligom

PPC ImaginariumDaniel van der MerweE [email protected] www.ppcimaginarium.com

In addition to the monetary incentives for the winners, finalists will also receive exhibition opportunities and mentorships from various thought leaders in their respective industries, nurturing them for their careers. These thought leaders include trends spotter, Dion Chang; Hanneke Schutte, writer and film director; Diane Victor, renowned artist and printmaker; architect, Mokena Makeka; Adriaan Hugo, industrial designer; David Tlale, fashion designer; and Verna Jooste, jewellery designer.

It is a requirement that all Eucalyptus Saligna used in South Africa is treated. Biligom is being treated to H3 SANS 1288 specifications with the approval of SANAS and SAWPA. SANS 10005 requires that eucalyptus timber used in structural elements is

Screengrab of the manufacturing process – video by Fisheagle Productions

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news and views


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LonzaW www.lonza.com

Premiers Supra Mahumapelo (North West Province) and David Mabuza (Mpumalanga Province) have recently committed their respective provincial governments to job creation for youth and artisan development as high-level priorities.

These initiatives are supported by Sephaku Cement’s Chief Executive, Pieter Fourie, who affirmed the company’s support of regional targets and initiatives.

Premier Mahumapelo aims to create 7 407 job opportunities through infrastructure development, the green economy and social economy during the financial year 2014/15, while in Mpumalanga the target put forward was 78 000 jobs per year over the next five years.

“As our business grows we will do what is in our power to support the people of the North West and Mpumalanga to make a real difference,” says Fourie. The company has recruited more than half of the employees at its flagship plant, Aganang, from the previously unemployed ranks of local communities.

Fourie adds that as the Aganang plant goes operational it will employ 170 people at the cement factory and create an additional 300 employment opportunities via subcontractors.

He believes that development of skills in trades is critical in the two provinces. While Sephaku Cement built its plants it invested in artisan development. Fourie explains that in the three years of the project’s construction they supported training of 10 fitters and electricians, of which seven have been employed as artisans and artisan assistants at Aganang.

Sephaku Cement will also focus on sourcing youth from FET colleges in the two regions to build its pool of

Job creation for youth and artisan development features high on provincial priorities.

Supporting provincial job creation

Sephaku Cement T +27 12 684 6300 E [email protected]

learners for recruitment within its artisan programme. “We are committed to supporting the communities in which we operate by offering skills development opportunities to young people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds,” Fourie concludes.

treated with a wood preservative to protect against the lyctus borer that attacks the sapwood of eucalyptus.

According to Lonza, the preferred treatment material is Tanalith™ E (copper azole). This is a new-generation, non-arsenic, non-chrome product. Used as a global replacement product for CCA (Tanalith™ C), timber can be treated with both mass/

volume and mass/mass retentions. The preservative has lower toxicity than most alternatives.

Source: Lonza presentation at the Biligom conference.


news and views


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“After an extensive global search for a new CEO, we are delighted that Giam Swiegers is joining Aurecon. He has an outstanding track record as a CEO and is a great cultural fit for our business. His South African background and experience in the US and Australia tie in well with our large footprint in both Australia and Africa. His track record in building a great culture and an agile growing business is a good strategic fit for us as an expanding global business,” says Aurecon’s Chairman, Teddy Daka.

Giam leaves his current role as CEO of Deloitte Australia after a highly successful 12 years.

Giam began his career as an auditor with Deloitte in South Africa, and subsequently worked for Deloitte in the US before returning to become Managing Partner of its Tshwane (Pretoria) office. He moved to Australia in 1997 and became CEO on 1 June 2003. He has been a member of Deloitte’s Global Board and Global Board Governance Committee for three years and is a member of the Deloitte Global Executive Committee.

With 7 500 employees across ANZ, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, Aurecon provides engineering, management and specialist technical services for public and private sector clients globally. As a result of a three-way merger in 2009, between Australian

Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) annually celebrates “innovation, quality, outstanding workmanship and professionalism in engineering” through the CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards.

This year, Aurecon entered three projects into these awards:• Malmesbury Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW),

in the category “Projects with a value of R50-million to R250-million”

• Grundfos offices and warehouse, in the category “Projects with a value of R50-million to R250-million”

Global engineering and technical services company, Aurecon, has announced the appointment of Giam Swiegers as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 February 2015. He will be based in the company’s Sydney office.

Aurecon’s new CEO

Honours for Aurecon at the CESA Aon Awards

AureconDanielle Bond E [email protected] Jody BoshoffT +27 083 275 2526E [email protected]

Giam Swiegers with Teddy Daka

engineering company, Connell Wagner, and South African companies, Africon and Ninham Shand, the company delivers services across the span of the infrastructure lifecycle in twelve industries.

• KwaMashu Interchange Upgrade, in the category “Projects with a value of less than R50-million”The prestigious awards’ function was held on

12 August at Vodaworld, Midrand, to showcase the important role that infrastructure plays in South Africa’s sustainable development.

The Malmesbury WWTW and KwaMashu Interchange projects won top accolade at the awards in their respective categories, while Grundfos offices and warehouse received a coveted commendation.

The challenging slope of the Grundfos site was cleverly used to accommodate parking underneath


news and views


25

The South African Institute of Architects (SAIA), a national representative body serving the interests of architects and architectural firms, noted with interest the South African Property Owners Association’s (SAPOA) call to the Minister of Rural Development & Land Affairs, Gugile Nkwinti, to invoke his discretionary powers to expedite spatial planning.

Matters relating to property development in South Africa remain topical as a lot of work still needs to be undertaken in the housing development sector. “SAIA supports SAPOA’s appeal and any other initiatives that will help unblock barriers to development and, in turn, lead to faster, more efficient processing of development applications,” says Sindile Ngonyama, SAIA’s President.

The South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) echoes South African Property Owners Association’s (SAPOA) call for action.

SAIA echoes call on Government Minister for planning action

CESAW www.cesa.co.zaAureconT +27 12 427 2066E [email protected] www.aurecongroup.com

South African Institute of Architects (SAIA)T +27 11 782 1315F +27 11 782 8771E [email protected] www.saia.org.za

The huge infrastructure development target set by the government could only be achieved in the event that unnecessary bureaucracy is avoided, in particular where it pertains to property development. “We urge the honourable Minister to take heed of the call to facilitate the approval process for applications and appeals in the property development arena,” comments Obert Chakarisa, SAIA’s CEO.

the building, as well as an innovative storm water attenuation facility. The sophisticated ESD included a rainwater harvesting system incorporating Grundfos’ own customised plant for purifying a portion of the rainwater to drinking water quality. This is believed to be a first in South Africa.

The office building has been awarded a 5-Star Green Star SA Office Design v1 rating and is the first integrated office and industrial facility to be awarded this rating by the GBCSA.

“We are extremely proud to have been involved in these three stellar projects and privileged to have

partnered with valued clients and project teams. It is extremely gratifying that our innovative solutions have been honoured at the highest level with the achievement of these awards,” comments Albert Geldenhuys, Aurecon’s Managing Director South Africa.

Photos by AureconMalmesbury wastewater treatment


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editor’s choice promising products

Customise your interior with FabricMate wall finishes.Aluglass Bautech is proud to be the South African

supplier of FabricMate wall finishing solutions, which house both acoustic and aesthetic appeal among many other benefits. These absorption panels are internationally recognised for their superior quality and wide range of colour schemes, and they’re environmentally friendly, too. FabricMate wall finishes are available in an array of Vulcan fabrics, or customers can provide their own upholstery that matches their interior décor. The acoustic panels are quick and easy to install, and offer an immediately noticeable difference in the balance of acoustics in a room while creating an aesthetic appeal by way of the finished product design.

Not all wall finishes are extremely costly, and FabricMate has a unique offering in superior quality for a more affordable price. Once you’ve decided on the fabric of your choice, installation is extremely swift.

FabricMate wall finishes

Den Braven Woodflex

Aluglass BautechW www.aluglass.co.za/products/acoustic-products/

Den Braven Sealants T +27 11 792 3830W www.denbraven.co.za

FabricMate addresses many interior environmental issues that customers might have previously experienced.

and joints where some movement capability (up to 8%) is required. Woodflex is great for use around built-in cupboards and kitchen units. It’s fast drying, and can be sanded and painted once fully cured.

Woodflex is available in a selection of six popular wood colours to aesthetically match and finish. The product is environmentally friendly with virtually no odour, has very low VOC, and conforms to the South African Green Building Council standards for architectural sealants.

The Woodflex range is packaged in unique transparent cartridges, making matching and colour identification very simple. It can be applied easily using a caulking applicator, and tooling off the sealant is easy.

Den Braven Woodflex is a high-quality, durable solvent-free emulsion-based sealant. It is ideal for use on parquet, cork, laminate, wooden, and bamboo flooring and skirtings; and to seal and fill gaps, cracks

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promising products editor’s choice

Eurolux has boosted its comprehensive range of lighting solutions with the introduction of its latest day/night LED lamp. This long-life LED lamp is a must-have for the environmentally-conscious home owner who wants functional light at night. It is ideally suited to lighting pathways, gate posts, and to provide perimeter lighting.

Now, LED strip lights are set to liven up lighting landscapes. Eurolux’s handy, yet elegant, new LED strip lights are ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Available in a dazzling array of colours, they’re super lightweight and extremely versatile. The LEDs come on a roll that can be cut to size and its self-adhesive backing makes it ideal for those hard to reach places.

Mobile Solar Lighting kits are on offer, too. The newly released Eurolux Solar Lighting Kits offer a long-lasting portable lighting solution for any requirement. Outdoor enthusiasts, those working in remote areas without stable electricity supply, and home owners that

Geberit has perfected its new innovation of installing the shower drain in the wall. Proving to be an ever-increasingly popular choice in both bathroom

LEDs turning night into day

Showering without compromises – wall drains

EuroluxT +27 21 528 8400W www.eurolux.co.za

GeberitT 0861 FLUSH 1E [email protected] www.geberit.co.za

want to be prepared for power outages will all benefit from this new range. Included in these mobile kits are a selection of lamps, a solar panel, battery pack, cables and inline switches, while some of the larger kits offer cell phone charging functionality, too.

renovation projects and new buildings alike, this practical solution is virtually setting new standards.

By moving the drain from the floor to behind the wall, it’s possible to incorporate the shower and bathroom floor seamlessly, creating a continuous even-floor surface. This makes it easier to tile, giving a clean overall impression.

Whether used in solid or drywall constructions, Geberit wall drains for showers can be easily integrated into the wall and connected to the existing drainage pipes. The installation elements come ready to install, reducing the amount of installation work required, and guaranteeing a tight, long-lasting connection.

The wall drain features an integrated hair trap that can be removed and cleaned in no time at all. The cover is available in a range of designs to suit customers’ needs.



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editor’s choice promising products

Beauty is more than skin deep. It’s in the structure below – the parts you don’t see – that provide the support for a beautiful canvas.

Exquisite faucets are the same. Sound engineering and design principals provide the platform for an aesthetic nuance to your bathroom, the assurance of longevity and enduring attraction. Wangel™ 25 year guarantee.

IsoBoard is a rigid, high-density extruded polystyrene foam board, ideal for thermally insulating most commercial, agricultural and residential buildings in southern Africa. Cape manufactured, IsoBoard continues to prove it is the most versatile and dependable thermal insulation available.

Key characteristics:• Trusted long-term thermal conductivity – design k

value of 0.03 W/m degree C• Effective in summer and winter, across all climatic zones• Highest resistance to moisture penetration due to

100% closed cell construction• Can be used in exposed or hidden installations,

washable and paintable• SA Board of Agreement certification for all major

applications

TAL is introducing new grout bag packaging to make the grout colour matching process easier for tiling contractors and end users.

The new 5kg plastic grout bags, which replace the current 5kg paper bags, are easier to handle and carry, and are more durable than the paper bags as they won’t tear on site. The TAL grout range, including TAL Wall & Floor grout and TAL Mosaicfix, are now available in plastic bags.

“The new bags feature a clear, see-through window so that the grout colour is clearly visible,” says Gela Ohl, TAL’s Marketing Manager. Grout in powder form is the same colour as cured grout in tile joints and, with the grout colour now clearly visible through the packaging, tiling contractors and DIY customers will

IsoBoard thermal insulation

Tapping into beauty

New grout bag for easy colour matching

On TapT 086 123 66827W www.ontap.co.za

IsoboardT +27 21 577 1105F +27 21 577 1182W www.isoboard.com

have no problem matching the colour to the tiles they’re installing. The plastic bags also come with a handy flap featuring three finger holes, making it easier to carry the bags on site and move them from one area to another.

• Standard lengths up to 8m, and thicknesses up to 80mm, to suit every requirement

• Suitable for professional and DIY installers• Suitable for any component of the building envelope

– roofs, ceilings, walls and floors• No flame spread: Fire classification B/B1/2 H&V• Correctly installed, will be effective for the expected

life of any building, with investments paid back through energy savings.

TALT 0860 000 (TAL) 825W www.tal.co.za



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promising products editor’s choice

Venice Stone is a quartz product that is highly resistant to most spillages encountered in the kitchen and bathroom. Routine maintenance should consist of daily wiping with a neutral detergent.

This new product is highly resistant to all common spills, including common acids, oils, beverages and even red wine. However, do not use bleach, strong alkali materials, strong acids, paint stripper or oven stripper for cleaning and maintenance.

The product is the result of leading research and development that led to the launch of Venice Stone via an exclusive process applicable to quartz surfaces – known to provide the best performance and environmental compatibility.

For indoor use only. It is covered by a 15 year warranty. The manufacturer is ISO9001-200 and ISO14001-2004 certified.

Ice Machine Metraclark introduces its stylish, yet affordable, range of stainless steel Ice Baby automatic ice machines. The ice baby is available in two sizes: the ZB20 that produces 20kg/24hr and the ZB50 that

produces 50kg/24hr – based on 21c air entering

temperature and 10c water entering temperature.

The ZB20 is ideally suited for residential use, while the ZB50 is suitable for both residential and light commercial use. You can store up to 3.5kg in the ZB20 and 10kg in the ZB50 of the bullet-shaped ice cubes, which measure roughly 28mm in diameter by 40mm in length.

PegoIf you need to take control of your entire refrigeration system with an easy to connect solution, the new Pego range of refrigeration controllers is the ideal solution.

Venice Stone launches

Keeping you cool

Union TilesT +27 11 663 2000E [email protected] www.uniontiles.co.za

The control system is a preassembled controller with circuit breakers, digital inputs and system indication lights, all prewired in an enclosure.

Insulclamps Insulclamps are a well-known range of pipe clips, supporting individual pipes in a thermo-rubber cushion between two metal parts. Used in the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry, Insulclamps are ideal for commercial installations. The clamps are made of metal and safe in the event of a fire if fitted in ceiling voids. They provide a simple yet outstandingly engineered solution to the problem of effective pipe support without energy losses.

MetraclarkT +27 11 620 0300F +27 086 299 1558E [email protected] metraclark.co.za


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PROFESSIONSArchitects ........................................34

construction .................................40

Developers .......................................46

Design - interior & exterior ........50

FAcilities MAnAgeMent .................55

lAnDscAping ...................................58

engineering .....................................62

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professions architects

Recently awarded a Corobrik-SAIA Award of Excellence, Nicola Irving and Charlotte Chamberlain of CCNIA in Newlands, Cape Town, have something to celebrate.

Founded five years ago, Charlotte Chamberlain and Nicola Irving Architects (CCNIA) came about when two former Louis Karol Architecture (LKA) colleagues – who were both UCT graduates – joined forces. Both partners had done their own thing for a number of years after leaving LKA, including a five-year stint in Australia for Nicola.

“A defining moment occurred for me in Australia, when an acquaintance commended me on leaving South Africa for the safety of my three daughters. A moment of realisation followed when I recognised that I would rather be living and working for the safety and well-being of a community of children and not just my own,” Nicola recalls.

The practice shares offices with TKLA (TarnaKilitzner Landscape Architects), with which Nicola and Charlotte have formed a close working relationship.

“We are a small practice with three incredibly dedicated and supportive staff, namely Abdurazaaq Chafekar, Edgar Siyengo and Michelle Barr. They are very open to continuing their own learning and continuously manage to adapt their roles in the practice to what is needed. This is actually what makes or breaks a practice,” says Nicola.

CCNIA wins top accolade and strives to makes a difference to society.

Charlotte Chamberlain and Nicola Irving

Operating from a philosophy of endlessly creating a better life for themselves and the greater community, the practice has engaged in a number of high profile civic projects. They do not necessarily engage in domestic architectural projects, preferring to work on a larger scale where the systems they apply work better for the benefit of society.

The partners maintain a close connection with UCT’s Architectural School, working in studio when possible. They have taken onboard various promising students with whom they connect in a genuine two-way learning experience. “There is no doubt that this is a vital connection for us, which greatly adds to how we think about the work we do,” says Charlotte.

“Perhaps it is arrogant to state that, as a practice, our focus is not on upmarket houses and developments. I have a strong belief that one has to make up and define who and how we would like to be in the world. In the five years we’ve been practicing, our major projects have been a community library; a pre-school; an art facility for a school; a retirement home for the Dominican Sisters; a revamp to a sports hall; a major upgrade for St Joseph’s Home, for children with chronic illnesses; and a regional library,” Charlotte adds.

Their first major project, a community library located in Harare, Khayelitsha, dubbed “The Living Room”, was a one that evolved and doubled during its duration. Harare Library was a component of the City of Cape Town’s Violence Protection through Urban Upgrading (VPUU) plan, which is targeted at making Khayelitsha – one of Cape Town’s most poverty-stricken areas and notorious crime hotspot – a safe place for its residents.

At a project cost of R27-million, the 1 800m2 library is part of a multi-purpose centre that includes not only the library but also offices for community groups and NGOs.

A second library project by CCNIA is shortly to follow in Khayelitsha and it will draw on the lessons learned from the first.

However, it is for the new pre-school and art buildings for campus at Springfield Convent School in the southern suburbs of Cape Town that Nicola and Charlotte won their coveted Award of Excellence.

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architects professions

Charlotte Chamberlain and Nicola Irving Architects (CCNIA)T +27 21 689 1729 C +27 076 315 2516E [email protected]

Phot

os: B

y C

CN

IA

Harare Library - the “Living Room”

Harare Library Harare Library

Springfield Convent School - New buildings for Pre-School and Art Centre

“Acknowledgment from one’s peers is a really good indication that what we are up to is going in the right direction. However, it is important to acknowledge our colleagues and clients. We often ask our clients to extend their briefs and vision for their projects way beyond their initial thoughts, and it is a leap of faith to go ahead with what is mostly unknown to them until it is built,” Charlotte concludes.

Springfield Convent School

Springfield Convent School

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professions architects

Top female architects scoop awardsFour female architects were recently honoured at the 2013/14 Corobrik-SAIA Awards of Excellence.

“This is a notable achievement in an industry where women have only recently come to the fore,” comments Nina Saunders, past vice-president of SAIA. “Conferred every two years since its introduction in 1990, the Corobrik-SAIA Awards of Excellence recognise exceptional contributions to the field of architecture,” Saunders adds.

“Less than 20% of SAIA members are currently women. However, almost 28% of members have earned the title of PR Arch (Professional Architect), the highest level of membership, and we are seeing an encouraging trend emerging of 40% women in the Architect in Training category.”

Awards of Excellence – the Institute’s highest accolade – were presented for eight projects. In three of these projects the lead architects were from female practices or those that have a woman as lead architect.

The four award-winning architects are Anne Graupner, principal at 26’10 south Architects in Johannesburg; Michele Sandilands, principal of MSa Michelle Sandilands Architects in Cape Town; and Charlotte Chamberlain and Nicola Irving, partners at the CCNIA practice in Cape Town.

Charlotte Chamberlain and Nicola Irving won their Award of Excellence for the new pre-school and art buildings at the campus of Springfield Convent School in the southern suburbs of Cape Town.

Graduates of UCT, they worked together at Louis Karol Architects. Both spent time gaining experience in Europe – Chamberlain in France and Irving in England. It was after Nicola spent five years in Australia and Charlotte began a practice of her own that the two joined forces to create Charlotte Chamberlain Nicola Irving Architects, both with a strong motivation to build

National awards for women

South African Institute of Architects T +27 11 782 1315 F +27 11 782 8771E [email protected] W www.saia.org.za

a practice that worked towards a better life for the wider community.

Michele Sandilands’ award is for her work on Phase 2 of UNISA on the Cape Flats, where she created an inspiring house of learning to accommodate administrative offices, student registration, exam rooms and teaching venues.

In 1998 she established her own practice, Michele Sandilands Architects, and has a wealth of experience having designed many of Cape Town’s foremost corporate, commercial and public buildings. Her practice has won several national and regional awards. Sandilands says she is thrilled to win a Corobrik-SAIA Award of Excellence, not only for herself but also for her team who worked many late hours and weekends.

A studio home in Brixton, Gauteng, won a Corobrik-SAIA Award of Merit for Anne Graupner, lead architect on the project, from 26’10 south Architects. This project is close to her heart as it is her own home. She is a mother to two young children and works fulltime as a professional architect and urban designer.

In 2001, Graupner graduated cum laude from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. She worked at the Architecture Centre Vienna before returning to South Africa, her country of birth, in 2002. Two years later, she co-founded 26’10 south Architects with Thorsten Deckler.

Graupner lectures and has designed exhibitions locally and abroad. She is co-author (with Deckler and Rasmuss) of the book ‘Contemporary South African Architecture in a Landscape of Transition’.

Photos by SAIA

Nicola Irving and Charlotte Chamberlain Michele Sandilands Anne Grauper

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professions construction

Leading Chinese machine manufacturer, XCMG, ranked among the top five construction equipment companies globally, has launched a diverse range of specialist machinery to the South African market. The range includes truck loader cranes, cherry pickers, rollbacks, wheel loaders, excavators, backhoe loaders, skid steer loaders and truck-mounted mobile cranes, all of which are already in stock. Furthermore, road surface machines, mining dumper trucks and concrete machines can also be provided as the market demands.

XCMG South Africa, the official distributor of XCMG machinery, launched in 2007 through a partnership with XCMG in China, and already supplies industrial cranes to the local market. The launch of these new machines furthers the company’s vision to become the leading brand of construction and mining equipment in Africa. XCMG’s extensive presence in South Africa adds to its far-reaching global footprint. By the end of 2013, XCMG already exported to 169 countries in Asia, the Middle East, South America, Australia, Europe and North America, and achieved an export turnover of more than USD900-million. XCMG is the largest construction equipment manufacturer in China with a turnover in 2012 of USD16.4-billion.

“For XCMG, South Africa is a vital market at the financial and economic centre of Africa, and the stable political environment provides a safe investment environment,” comments David Dai, managing director of XCMG South Africa. “With the establishment in 2010 of the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership, bilateral trade increased quickly. In 2012, trade figures reached USD59.9-billion, which translates to an annual growth of 31.8%. The cooperation in the

Mining, construction and plant hire industries now have access to superior Chinese machinery from a specialist mining and construction supplier.

Chinese-sourced construction machinery launched

Photos by XCM

G

XCMG South Africa RoodepoortT +27 11 668 0300

fields of energy, resources, manufacture and finance has achieved great success,” Dai explains.

“With this healthy trade exchange relationship already in place, in 2013 we conducted extensive market research and found huge potential in bringing XCMG products into the South African market. We are confident that the local construction industry will embrace these new products,” he adds.

All XCMG’s global products are backed by extensive quality guarantees. XCMG uses world-class production lines with robot welding and painting facilities, and the very best testing line for construction equipment to ensure quality ratings are achieved before export. Furthermore, all parts supplied for machinery are sourced from world-class suppliers.

The official launch of this machinery recently took place in Johannesburg, and was attended by a host of industry representatives, local Chinese dignitaries and global XCMG representatives. Many of the equipment models were on display and adding to the excitement of the launch, extensive discounts were offered for purchases on the day.

Since the first shipment of new machines arrived in Johannesburg in May 2014, XCMG South Africa has signed sales contracts with local clients and the number of offer to purchase agreements is increasing. As the sales volume goes up, XCMG SA is, and will be, dedicated to providing the best after sales service to all its clients.

040-044_Construction_Contractors.indd 40 2014/10/23 3:16 PM

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AllUReplacements_fcp.indd 1 2014/10/22 8:34 PM


42

professions construction health & safety

There is no such thing as an unplanned accident, advises seasoned construction health and safety practitioner and leading academic, Prof John Smallwood, in a presentation at the 2014 MBSA Congress held in Port Elizabeth. Here is an adaptation of some of the salient points from his presentation.

According to Woudhysen and Abley (2004), “As long as construction remains a backward industry, safety within it will be backward. So long as off-site manufacturing remains a footnote to general building, a lot of accidents are bound to happen in the hurly-burly rush to get on-site work completed on time.”

Are accidents unplanned? ‘Absolutely not,’ Smallwood argues. ‘Any review indicates that they are meticulously planned by default, through actions and/or omissions.’

He argues that in as much as the planning process is an integral and high-level part of management, it is the absence of effective planning that leads to incidents. Therefore, “accidents” are indicative of the failure of management. However, management is a collective process involving all role players, including the client, project manager, designer and QS, not just the contractor.

The myth that “construction is inherently dangerous” or “accidents are part of the job” implies that there is nothing that can be done to mitigate hazards and risk. In contrast, strategies, systems, procedures and protocol can mitigate or even eliminate hazards and risks.

According to Smallwood, clients, project managers, principal agents, and construction managers especially, should adopt a formal risk management process. They should collectively quantify the risks, and rank and evolve appropriate responses where required.

One good methodology is to hold a “premortem”. This means gathering those involved and imagining that the project or an activity failed and requires them to record (and analyse) the exact reasons for failure.

Corporate values and a H&S culture“Respect for people is the catalyst for the ‘people are our most important resource’ value,” he says. Poor welfare facilities, among other issue on site, so typical of the SA construction scene, are not a manifestation

Photos by Gareth G

riffiths Imaging

Leading construction health and safety practitioner advises industry.

Accidents are not unplanned

NMMU Department of Construction ManagementT +27 41 504 2790/551F +27 41 504 2345/574E [email protected]

Professor John Smallwood is the Head, Department of Construction Management at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU).

of respect for people. “This value is critical as it’s the catalyst for a health & safety (H&S) culture,” Smallwood maintains.

What is an optimum H&S culture?The catalyst for H&S culture is the value – people are our most important resource. Such a value, according to Smallwood, engenders a vision of a “fatality, injury, and of a disease-free work place.” In addition, such a vision requires a complementary goal of “zero deviations”. So, how does an organisation or project realise a goal of zero deviations? Smallwood believes this requires continual improvement as the mission.

A higher-level purpose is necessary for an optimum H&S culture – sustainability of the organisation, and sustainability of the industry – a rationale for H&S endeavours when fatalities, injuries and disease are no longer occurring.

‘H&S is a means to the end, not an end in itself,’ he concludes.

Professor John Smallwood


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professions construction

A corrugated metal pipe that collapsed late last year was part of a channel that gradually eroded over decades by chemical and other industrial effluent. The whole section collapsed during some particularly heavy rainfall in November.

Mammoth culverts, manufactured by Aveng Manufacturing Infraset, were used to rehabilitate the channel and replace the collapsed metal pipe under Andre Greyvenstein Road near Gauteng’s Oliver Tambo Airport.

Ndodana Consulting Engineers was appointed by Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality to design the new culvert. A decision was also taken to widen and deepen the storm water channel to cope with anticipated increased flooding incidents.

According to Coenraad Groenewald, technical marketing manager of the construction products division of Aveng Manufacturing Infraset, one design option was to construct the culvert using in-situ concrete. This route would have been chosen had the mammoth culverts not existed.

“However, given that this was a public road that needed to be re-opened as soon as possible, opting for a precast concrete solution made more sense. In fact, a month and a half of construction time was saved by using the mammoth culverts supplied from our Brakpan factory.”

Weighing 12.8 tons apiece and reinforced with 600kg of rebar, the culverts stand 3.5m tall, are 5.3m wide and 1m deep. ”

Mammoth culverts used in corrugated metal pipe replacement in Ekurhuleni.

Major storm water channel rehabilitation

Aveng Manufacturing InfrasetCoenraad Groenewald T +27 11 876 5100

In March, excavation work began after way leaves were granted by Sasol, Eskom, Telkom and Neotel. A total of 32 culverts were delivered by flatbed trucks and lowered into position onto a concrete platform, measuring 35m x 6m, using a mobile crane. The platform was constructed with 500mm of dump rock, two 150mm layers of G7, a 50mm layer of blinding, and 350mm of reinforced concrete.

Concrete wing walls were attached to the first culvert using in-situ concrete and the culverts were waterproofed using a normal concrete grout. Sub-soil drainage pipes were installed on the outside of the two culvert walls to prevent water build up under the road.

Once the concrete work was completed the culverts were covered with G7 material before being compacted. Some areas were too narrow for the compacting equipment. In these instances soilcrete was used as an alternative filling material.

Groenewald concludes by saying that the Andre Greyvenstein rehabilitation project has opened new opportunities for faster and more economical construction of large storm water culverts.

Photos by Aveng

Above: A mobile crane was used to offload and install the culverts.Above middle: The collapsed road above a storm water channel on Andre Greyvenstein Road.Above right: One of the mammoth culverts is lowered into position.


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professions developers and the law

Agreements must be honoured, but how do agreements that create building contracts come about?

I am always surprised when a client tells me, “We did not have a contract”. This is indicative of the prevailing misconception of how contracts come into being in South African law. Often I consult with either a builder or the employer (owner of the property) where a dispute arises as a result of the execution of building works.

When I ask what the terms of the agreement were they most frequently reply “there was no contract”. I react with a degree of despair.

What they are essentially telling me is that there is no written document that embodies the terms of the agreement. This assertion is something completely different to the statement that they are making, that there is “no contract”.

In South African law there are very few contracts that have to be in writing. A contract is simply one form of an agreement. There are other forms of agreements such as, for example, a donation. An agreement in terms of which the parties must perform certain reciprocal obligations is merely a form of agreement.

In South African law, a binding agreement comes into being when an offer has been made to do some form of performance in return for some form of performance from the other person, and the offer is accepted. Immediately upon receipt of the communication that the offer has been accepted, a binding agreement, and therefore a binding contract, comes into being.

The critical feature of a binding contract is that there should be a meeting of minds. There is hence no need for the proverbial and symbolic handshake.

To Build, your informative and invaluable industry handbook, is lucky enough to enlist the input of a well-known advocate to the Cape Bar, Bryan Hack, for this edition.

A word on contract law

][PACTUM SUNT SERVANDAJustinian: Codex 2.3.7[Agreements must be honoured. “A profoundly moral principle, on which the coherence of any society relies. It is also a universally recognised legal principle” - per Ngcobo J in Barkhuizen v Napier 2007 (5) SA 323 (CC)

Tendering on a jobSo when an employer or developer invites a builder to tender on a job and the builder submits a quote (this is the offer) and the employer accepts the quote, then there has been a meeting of minds and a legally binding contract (agreement) comes into being. It is not necessary that the quote needs to be in writing and it is not necessary that the acceptance of the quote needs to be in writing.

Put simply, an entire agreement can be reached to perform building works for remuneration without any documents being exchanged. Hence the foundation of my theme for this edition, that under such circumstances when a dispute arises, there can be no suggestion that there is “no contract”. There is, in fact, a legally valid and binding contract.

However, with an oral agreement it is often difficult to determine exactly what was in the minds of the parties when the contract was made. It is for this reason that employers and builders should reduce their agreement to writing. The purpose of reducing the agreement to writing is quite simply to aid the parties in determining exactly what they are agreeing to.

A written document does not create the agreementA written document is not a requirement for the existence of a contract. A written document is merely a record in writing of what is in the minds of the persons that are entering into the agreement and concluding a building contract.

From my experience, I am often surprised how many property owners employ the services of a builder to carry out substantial building work based purely on an oral agreement – again that proverbial handshake. Building work is complex and the agreement encompasses many different and varying factors.

Significantly, no matter how much of a “man of their word” each party may be, there are quite simply too many things that can go wrong or that are not anticipated in a building contract.

The best advice that any property owner or developer (employer) and contractor can have is to

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professions developers

always reduce the agreement to a written document.It can save much anxiety, to say nothing of legal costs,

if a dispute arises as to who was supposed to do what.

Contract essentialsThere are various essential terms that should be contained in every building agreement:

• The scope of work• The remuneration• How are variations will be dealt with –

whether omission or additions?• What are the start and completion dates?• Who is to determine completion and

quality of work?

• How are snags to be dealt with?• How are defects to be dealt with?• How are breaches of the agreement

to be dealt with?• How are disputes to be dealt with?These and more questions will be dealt with

in further articles in To Build.

Adv Bryan HackChambers, Cape TownT +27 21 423 5441F +27 086 260 5295E [email protected]

Established in 2005 by property developer, Abland and its partners for property developments and strategic pipeline acquisitions, property development fund, Pivotal, is currently a public unlisted company. However, in early 2014 it announced its intentions of listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) by year end.

To gain momentum towards its goals and, in the lead-up to its planned listing on the JSE, the Fund recently undertook a R1.5-billion acquisition from Standard Bank Properties that includes the majority stake in Sandton’s landmark Alice Lane development.

“Pivotal has acquired strategic land and property assets from Standard Bank that will be valued at more than R3.5-billion when fully developed. This major deal moves us closer to our goal of listing on the JSE’s main board with a portfolio in excess of R9-billion,” explains Pivotal Property Fund’s managing director, Jackie van Niekerk. “The acquisition expands our

R1.5-billion acquisition from bank

Pivotal Property Fund announces R1.5-billion deal

Jackie van Niekerk

portfolio by more than 25 000m² of bulk space and over 72 000m² of commercial space.”

Pivotal already owns 30% of the multiple award-winning Alice Lane office development in Sandton’s central business district. The acquisition of the remaining 70% stake as part of the Standard Bank deal will see Pivotal becoming the sole owner of this premium-grade office complex in South Africa’s top financial and corporate node. The Alice Lane office development has been certified a four-star green building by the Green Building Council, and has recently won the coveted SAPOA Innovative Excellence Award for commercial development.

Van Niekerk points out that Pivotal’s investment criteria includes well located, A-grade commercial and retail properties assessed on a case-by-case basis. “To date, the fund’s performance has delivered a consistently high growth rate with a 45% increase in net asset value per share growth (NAV) achieved in the 2014 fiscal year, and compounded annual net asset value growth of 24% since 2009.”

Phot

o by

Piv

otal

Pivotal Property FundJackie van NiekerkT +27 11 510 9701 W www.pivotalfund.co.za

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professions interior design

Vovo Telo, an expanding bread store of increasing popularity as a place to meet, has recently opened a new Cape Town store in Steenberg, close to the famous Steenberg Wine Estate (founded in 1691) and golf course.

The Vovo Telo approach is echoed in its design ethos, which the designers of each store attempt to integrate into the shop’s design. The design is emphasised mainly in its décor, by incorporating and celebrating special landmarks and historical topographical features that surround the store’s location.

The designers have celebrated the heritage of the

One of South Africa’s most recent and interesting coffee shop designs originated in Port Elizabeth, although the food concept came from a chance happening in Madagascar!

Telling Vovo Telo

Steenberg area by honouring the founders of the Cape Dutch lifestyle in South Africa. In this case, the store’s finishes, décor and details are inspired by the Cape Dutch architecture of Steenberg Manor. The wallpaper and mural designs are inspired by the Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve, located in neighbouring Muizenberg.

“The design concept is a beautiful story, and one that we insist on passing onto Vovo staff members just before we open a new store. The store’s concept was created and founded by Matt Repton who was inspired on a trip to Madagascar after he became fascinated by the art of baking beautiful hand-shaped breads. It was

Photos by Gareth G

riffiths Imaging

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interior design professions

Vovo TeloBrett HedderwickE [email protected] www.vovotelo.co.zaLaurie Ann InteriorsT +27 72 437 01884E [email protected]

About the designerOwned and operated by Laurie Ann Malan, Laurie Ann Interiors was established in January 2014, and is a full-service Interior Design company located in Port Elizabeth. The design house specialises in creating distinctive and custom-designed spaces with its main focus on retail/commercial, residential and hospitality design. The company’s aim is to create environments that are creative, ergonomic and welcoming, while bringing unique elements to both modern and traditional designs.

this inspiration that he brought home to Port Elizabeth. Here he began to further his passion for fine artisan bread, turning his residential property into the bakery that it is today,” explains Vovo Telo’s Brett Hedderwick.

“Our atmosphere is a simple, relaxed and unpretentious one that, at the same time, allows our customers to experience our theatre of fine artisan bread baking and amazing coffee creations. Everything on offer at Vovo Telo is made from scratch – from the breads to pastries, and even the pastas – signifying our love affair for everything we create. At Vovo Telo we produce our great breads with the finest, freshest ingredients, trying to create something special every day. We also use local artisanal products in all of our bakeries and support producers that share our love for quality and integrity – from our stone-ground flour to Karoo olives, award-winning Boerenkaas, free-range eggs and, of course, the local farm-fresh produce,” he adds.

“Vovo Telo does not offer one specific signature dish but suggest beginning with one of our amazing

coffees, followed by a sumptuous freshly-baked croissant, Panini sarmie, or even our famous Pissaladiere offerings (thin crusted pizza bases made from Ciabatta dough). To round off the experience, enjoy a pastry or slice of cake from our tempting selection, or take it home with you.

“With an affiliation to Famous Brands, we were fortunate to have the skills of a great team in the initial design process, which was primarily designed by ourselves operationally according to the store’s footprint. Only then was it outsourced to a talented pioneer of the original Vovo Telo brand design,” Brett explains.

Ren

derin

gs b

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Ann

Inte

riors

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design professions

To create a shared vision that will culminate in a new town plan for Stellenbosch, an idea-gathering campaign has been underway for the past few months.

Instead of the usual practice of commissioning an expert, typically at considerable expense, to draft a town plan that is then presented to stakeholders and the public for comment, the Shaping Stellenbosch campaign allows the public to participate in the planning process. The project is receiving assistance from the Sustainability Institute.

The process consists of two parallel inputs:• The Community Process: A unique bottom-up

approach has been adopted to create opportunities for citizens to share their positive ideas for an inclusive and sustainable town future. The Shaping Stellenbosch website (www.shapingstellenbosch.co.za), available in Afrikaans, English and Xhosa, provides a platform for the people of Stellenbosch to share their ideas with the municipality. Those not wishing to complete an online form can share their ideas using printed forms at their local public library. Workshops are being held with various interest groups to educate them about the process and assist them with formulating and submitting their ideas.

• Expert Process: Concurrently, a think tank comprising senior officials, politicians and academics is formulating a high-level strategy for the town with the help of the Eidos ‘think tool’ software for complex decision making. Under the guidance of the University’s Centre for Knowledge Dynamics & Decision-Making, regular brainstorming sessions are held to populate the software with information about the town to assist in the formation of a strategy to best deal with the complex environmental, social and economic challenges facing Stellenbosch.

LegacyThe legacy will be a unique planning process that shows what is possible – a challenging town plan document that sets a precedent, and a collective

A World Design Capital 2014 (WDC2014) supported project, Shaping Stellenbosch, is co-managed by Stellenbosch Municipality and Stellenbosch University, and aims to improve the once historically-divided town in a way that connects economic development, social inclusion and ecological sustainability – all with the public’s participation.

Public participation in town vision

WDC2014W www.wdccapetown2014.comShaping StellenboschW www.shapingstellenbosch.co.za

commitment of a strategically important town to implement agreements reached during a design process that took place in full view of all involved. For its use of design to transform lives and bridge divides, Shaping Stellenbosch has been recognised as a World Design Capital Cape Town 2014 project.

The public’s ideas will address goals that include providing public transport for all, creating safe spaces to walk and/or cycle within neighbourhoods, growing the economy so that more people can get jobs, making better use of the land available to accommodate more people, saving resources, improving access to healthy and affordable food for all income groups, and protecting historic architecture and views, as well as preventing the pollution and destruction of natural areas.

Once approved, this uniquely-crafted town plan will guide all future development strategies and investments in Stellenbosch, and position the town as the sustainability-oriented innovation hub of South Africa.

Photo by Dam

on Hart-D

avis, CopyrightStellenbosch cultural heritage

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facilities management professions

Outsourced facilities management (FM) service providers work on the premises of their clients. If they do not adhere to health and safety legislation, and the requirements specific to their clients’ operations, they can introduce risk into the organisation, impacting its people, assets and reputation. Proactive creation of a live interface document can bridge health and safety gaps.

Health and safety is a key issue for organisations. Providing a safe and secure environment for employees is not only a priority but is mandated by the Occupational Health & Safety Act. Organisations that outsource functions to an FM provider often entrust the management of contractors, sub-contractors and other third-party services in their environment to this provider. Ensuring the outsource service provider complies with local health and safety legislation, procedures and processes must therefore be a priority or they may find themselves in contravention of legislation, as well as their own health and safety policies and procedures.

Rather than relying on the client to drive the vetting process, forward thinking outsourced FM providers proactively train their on-site staff, and continuously ensure contractors, sub-contractors and third-party service providers understand and adhere to health and safety requirements.

These proactive providers may even add value where clients do not have health and safety policies and procedures in place. However, the ideal approach is for the client and FM provider to jointly identify and

Words: An opinion piece by Arnold Sivhada, EHS Country Manager for Johnson Controls sub-Saharan Africa.

Is your facilities management provider introducing risk into your organisation? A health and safety compliance check may be in order.

Facilities management and risk

agree the way forward to achieve a safe and secure environment for all employees.

Live interface document will bridge health and safety gaps The reality of this scenario is that the prospective client organisation, the FM service provider, and the contractors engaged by the FM service provider are all employers in their own right, even though they may sometimes share the same workplace. As such, they are legally required to provide and maintain systems of work that are safe and without risk to their employees’ health, and provide information, instructions, training and supervision as necessary to ensure the health and safety of employees at work. With the FM service provider’s staff and contractors working in multiple facilities, and the staff of tenants in each facility potentially impacting or being impacted by the actions of these FM resources, the health and safety considerations can become complex – they needn’t be.

To comply with clients’ health and safety requirements, the outsource provider should:

• Determine all applicable health and safety legislation governing its operations within the prospective client’s environment, and implement measures to ensure regulatory compliance; and

• Seek to understand the requirements of the client’s health and safety procedures and processes, as well as its own processes.

Arnold Sivhada

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• The next step is vital: creating an interface document that bridges any gaps between the client and service provider’s processes. This needs to be a ‘live’ document that is regularly reviewed by both parties to ensure it remains effective in terms of mitigating hazards.

Should the organisation fail to ensure its FM outsourced service provider complies with relevant legislation, it may be faced with an increased number of accidents, incidents or fatalities, as well as damage to its reputation. The cost of doing business is also likely to increase as a result of the direct and indirect costs of major accidents. In contrast, actively engaging on the issue with an outsourced provider assists both companies to anticipate the nature and complexity of the risks they may introduce to their businesses, assisting them to manage and mitigate those risks.

Vetting contactors, enforcing compliance, providing trainingOutsourced FM service providers that are serious about health and safety issues will carefully vet sub-contractors. They also ensure that health and safety is part of their training and communication programmes.

Johnson Controls, an FM outsourced provider with decades of global experience offering services across multiple industry segments, has some very specific best practices in place. These are built on knowledge of regulatory requirements and, perhaps more importantly, many years of practical experience.

For example, each contractor is required to provide a safety plan, along with documentation that puts in place processes and procedures that ascertain that the conditions are met to ensure they carry out the work only when it is safe to do so. Training that may cover health and safety or environmental awareness, legal compliance or technical training is ongoing. To enforce compliance, health and safety performance is a key

Arnold Sivhada, EHS Country ManagerT +27 11 017 2500E [email protected] www.johnsoncontrols.com/globalworkplacesolutions

About Global Workplace SolutionsJohnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions is a leading provider of facilities, corporate real estate and energy management. It has partnered with some of the world’s largest companies for more than 20 years and managed more than 1.8-billion square feet of corporate real estate.

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. It has 170 000 employees that engage in product creation, services and solutions. These include products and services that optimise energy and operational efficiencies of buildings, lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles, and interior systems for automobiles. Since the invention of the first electric room thermostat in 1885, the company has been committed to sustainable solutions.

part of the contractual agreement with clients, and poor or non-compliance may result in early termination. However, the bottom line is that there can be no compromise. Johnson Controls believes that if the job can’t be done safely, it cannot be done at all.

BUILDINGSAREVIEW ANNUAL ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCE HANDBOOK


To AdverTise iN THe NeXT issUe CoNTACT

T 021 424 3625 F 086 516 7277 C 072 365 4877 W www.mediaxpose.co.za

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professions landscaping

The Dona Ana Hotel was once the grand old lady of Vilanculos, keeping watch over the town’s harbour. Then, in 1977, the Mozambican civil war began and the hotel that once served as the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago was abandoned. It stood empty and dilapidated for almost three decades.

Greg Straw of Earth Architectural Landscapes was contracted for landscaping around the hotel. Of course he jumped at the chance to help restore a building that is as iconic to the Bazaruto Archipelago as the Polana is to Maputo.

When he rounded the harbour road and saw the building for the first time he saw an architectural masterpiece that was a shadow of its former self. A road had been built across the property, few of the original plants remained and there were weeds everywhere.

Straw found that what he’d already suspected was going to be a tough project was far more difficult than it first appeared. Challenges were many and spontaneous, much like the weeds that had overtaken the property. There were no commercial flights to Vilanculos at the time, which meant every piece of equipment had to be brought in via charter plane.

By Claudia Ferreira

Iconic Mozambique hotel draws the best straw.The Dona Ana: An icon restored

Photos by Hotel D

ona Ana

Infrastructure created“I had to take spares of everything, so began my own nursery, dropped a submersible pump and built a camp onsite,” Straw recalls. He recruited locals and trained them in landscaping and landscape maintenance as the project progressed. When his team began removing weeds for composting they ran into another unexpected challenge. “Every time we dug up a plant we’d find building rubble. Eventually I got a TLB and I just removed all the contaminated soil and brought fresh beach sand onto site. ”

When planning the garden, Straw engaged in what he calls “forensic horticulture”, tracking down old images of the building to have an idea of what the garden looked like in its glory days. He wanted to create a retro-tropical garden with colour – something the property was sorely lacking.

And, because he was working on beach conditions, he had to acclimatise any plant material he used to poor water and soil quality, overpowering heat, and salt residue from the ocean winds. “I had to grow all the plant material myself and get it accustomed to beach sand. It couldn’t be brought

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Greg Straw, EarthlandT +21 836074364 W www.earthland.co.za

from South Africa or grown in top soil and then transplanted.”

He acquired and propagated plant cuttings from local restaurants and backpackers’ lodges, and brought in colourful exotics by barge from another of his projects on the nearby Magaruque Island. He even used the local cemetery as a source for cuttings – the only place he could find frangipanis.

Extreme landscaping“It was like ‘Bear Grylls does landscaping’, even down to the fertiliser,” he jokes. “You can’t use fertilisers on sandy soil like that, so we found a bat cave inland and brought in some guano.”

Straw found inspiration in the local community who were phenomenally supportive, and gave back by donating wood to local artisans from cyclone-damaged Casuarinas he chopped down.

The project saw architects, developers, project managers and builders come and go. Often it was only the landscaping team and security company that would remain.

“I had nearly finished the garden and the hotel was half complete. Then, a new architect came and changed everything. I had to replant the garden again. With each new builder there would be more changes and we’d have to dig up half my garden and replant it.”

Turning pointEventually, the owners of the hotel brought in one

final architectural team, Savile Row, and a project management company, Oasis. This proved to be a turning point for the troubled project and Straw was finally able to see his hard work come to fruition.

The landscaping team achieved much on a tight budget. They created a trailing bougainvillea hedge of 194m along the beachfront wall to bring a sense of privacy to the units that dotted the beach. They rebuilt the parking area so that visitors wouldn’t see the cars parked at the property.

“It’s a beautiful piece of restored architecture and we were lucky to have the opportunity to recreate the gardens of the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. I collected an amazing variety of tropical plants to make this San Francisco-style garden. It’s unconventional but I think the pictures speak for themselves,” he says.

About the writerClaudia Ferreira is a writer, content strategist and digital content creator. She is happiest when she has her creative hat on and can immerse herself in writing. She currently writes for Clockwork Media, where she covers a variety of topics, including property, business, technology, finance, motoring, entertainment and lifestyle.

Photos by Hotel D

ona Ana

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Bringing the

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professions opinion editorial

Women are globally under-represented in leadership positions. In South Africa, if one looks at the statistics of professional engineers registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), and the number of engineering graduates from different institutions of higher learning, men are over-represented. This has an impact on the number of women that are available to take up leadership roles in the engineering profession in our country.

Over the past 11 years I have increasingly seen more women enter the field of engineering than ever before. However, while it is encouraging that many companies are embracing transformation at a management level, the pace is still gradual.

With no women represented at senior levels to speak for them, it is potentially harder for other women to move up the corporate ladder. At the same time, government is trying to push the women empowerment agenda, although this is not being heard by everyone. ECSA can create a platform where the issue of women advancement in the profession and how rapid change can be encouraged to achieve this agenda.

In 2008, the Department of Labour published a report on engineering professionals that shows women constituted 4.44% of managers with engineering qualifications in 1997. This number grew to 14.47% by 2005. This positive trend was partially due to more countries passing legislation that drives transformation, as well as efforts undertaken by various parties to ensure that more doors are opened to women and that the glass ceiling is finally broken.

By Thandiwe Nkambule, Pr Eng, Electrical & Electric Engineering

The writer questions whether women are stepping up to the challenge of taking positions of leadership in the engineering profession.

Women in engineering

Thankfully South Africa does not fare badly when compared to other countries regarding women in leadership positions, and particularly engineering. The global trend is positive, with a large number of women climbing higher up the corporate ladder. In a study undertaken by ECSA last year, it was revealed that more than 10% of engineers registered with ECSA are women. ECSA also revealed that the number of female candidate engineering professionals has risen by 9% and that the number of female professional engineers is currently sitting at 4%.

It is our duty to educate the youth about making informed decisions about the career path they choose. Mentoring young and upcoming engineers is important as it also helps to move candidate engineers to positions of professional engineers much faster, and without losing them because of misinformed career choices. It also helps to ensure that they have an informed person to talk to about their future plans.

In conclusion, I believe that women can add value to engineering by holding leadership positions. This is something that can change over time with companies and government working together to push the same agenda, and by creating an environment that is conducive to women becoming leaders.

Women’s Day of the UNESCO Africa Engineering Week

Engineering Council of South Africa T +27 11 607 9500E [email protected]

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BUILDING SYSTEMSAutomAtion .....................................64

Air-conditioning ...........................68

bAthrooms ......................................76

electricAl ........................................87

floors ...............................................93

kitchens ............................................98

roofs...............................................101

security & sAfety ..........................111

wAlls & clAdding .......................112

windows & doors .......................117

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While traditional security systems promise peace of mind to the homeowner, they often constitute veritable death sentences when it comes to the aesthetics of the home itself. One can almost imagine it: a single, ominous red light blinking beneath a black executioner’s mask hiding a face made from ugly snarls of wire, exposed circuits and unsightly conduit, ready to bring down the axe on your once pristine house. Yes, we will be secure but it exacts a heavy toll on exquisitely-designed homes: walls will be mauled, tree-lined lanes lacerated and driveways defaced.

This, it would seem, is simply the price we have to pay in exchange for the knowledge that our properties, families and belongings are safe under the watchful eyes of electronic sentries.

Or is it?Centurion Systems – a local manufacturer

specialising in access automation and famous for its brand of reliable, feature-rich and good-looking gate motors and traffic barriers – has a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes to so-called ‘sexy security’.

From a security perspective, the G-SPEAK GSM-based intercom system is the whole package – from offering users the ability to answer their intercom from anywhere in the world (thereby giving the appearance that they are always home) to delivering high-security features such as the built-in Eavesdropping Mode – and brings security and visitor screening to the domestic market in a big way. The advanced Classic+ model even allows for offsite monitoring of electrical devices, notifying up to 100* learned-in users of events, such as a gate that has been left open or an alarm that has been activated.

But, what really makes this product stand out is how much respect it has for building aesthetics. Because G-SPEAK is GSM-based and users utilise their cell phones as their intercom handsets, there is no unsightly wiring running back to the premises for wall-mounted handsets, making for a cost-effective, convenient and wholly-unobtrusive home security

By Charl Mijnhardt

Traditional security systems ruin a home’s aesthetics, argues a local supplier.

Wiring down

Centurion SystemsT +27 11 699 2510W www.CentSys.com

solution. Furthermore, the system allows for learned-in users to activate up to four* electrical devices via a missed call or SMS, effectively enabling them to open their entrance gate, arm an alarm, or switch on a freezer, borehole pump or geyser from anywhere in the world with 2G GSM network coverage.

According to Jonathan McCallum from Centurion Systems, “Security and convenience seldom work symbiotically. One is normally sacrificed for the other. With G-SPEAK, though, you get both. Security by being able to answer your intercom wherever you are, deterring criminals as they think you might be home, and convenience by being able to allow access to trusted people.”

*Depends on model

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The device, a GSM Commander, is revolutionary in combining cellular communications with powerful control and easy programming. As a tool, it helps users to invent solutions and make money while adding immense value to customers. The power of remote monitoring and controlling cool rooms, generators, boilers, pumps, pivots, or any other remote sites, enables the installer to deliver a fantasic level of service at a fraction of the cost. It is even possible to tell clients they have a problem before they even know about it.

Benefits include the avoidance of expensive call outs, improved service levels, acquiring all information online, and knowing the status of remote sites in the time it takes to log onto the internet.

The Commander uses a standard SIM card and antenna to connect to a local cellular network for communication. The device is configured via an award-winning SmartSetup programming software, which helps to simplify the setup of the device for remote site management.

Cellular communications enable the device to communicate via text message (defined by the user), directly to any recipient on a list, and also to communicate via GPRS to the web-based platform, Airdrive.

Brief case studySupplier, Polygon Technologies, was contacted by a customer seeking a system that could remotely monitor its reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment system. Polygon Technologies handled the specifications of the required hardware and, once a mutual decision was made with the client about the hardware, the deal was handed over to an independent agent who performed the installation.

A revolutionary device combines cellular communications with control and easy programming.

Taking command

Polygon TechnologiesT +27 21 981 7062W www.gsmcommander.com

The client requested that the system meet the following requirements:

• Check the conductivity of the water• Check the pressure drops between the filters

by means of pressure transducers.• Keep track of the building’s water usage.• If predetermined levels were reached then the

appropriate SMS notifications must be sent and a visual indication provided in the security hut.

A system satisfying the above requirements was installed on site and successfully commissioned.

Further discussions then took place between the agent and Polygon Technologies’ customer. As they both realised the potential of the GSM Commander, they were able to improve the system even further.

A float switch was installed in the supply tank (fed from the RO System), enabling the GSM Commander to control the water supply from the council and alert responsible persons of any problem. An online portal (Airdrive) was configured, allowing a live feed of the system and historical logs. And, if this was not enough, they even upgraded the system to provide a level of access-control on-site!

The supplier claims that this is just one example of how the GSM Commander can be a valuable tool in its “box of tricks”. Polygon Technologies invites clients with distinctive requirements to contact it for unique solutions.

Photos by Polygon Technologies

The water treatment system and GSM Commander.

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building systems air conditioning

Tucked away just off the busy Grayston Drive in Strathavon in Johannesburg is the facebrick three-storey Upper Grayston Office Park on Linden Road. It is, in many respects, quite a remarkable development, especially its Blocks E and F with a design and build that are saving the owners energy costs and changing tenants’ everyday behaviour.

In 2011 the developers, Brydens Commercial Properties, applied to the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) for Green Star SA Certification. In January 2012, Block E was awarded a 4-Star green building rating by the council. However, the scores given by the independent assessors were so close to the threshold for a prestigious 5-Star rating that Brydens decided to submit a second application and, in October 2012, Block E was duly acknowledged as a 5-Star Green Star SA building.

Brydens’ director, Ron Henderson, explains that while it made commercial sense for his company to pursue a Green Star rating, the lessons learnt at the Grayston Office Park can be applied by developers of new office blocks and by owners of existing buildings. Block E’s return on initial investment, in particular, proves that money spent on energy efficiency can quickly be recouped and translated into substantial ongoing savings.

According to Henderson, any new office development in South Africa must deliver a projected energy consumption of no more than 80W/m2, but Brydens was confident of achieving a sustainable score much lower than this requirement. “We targeted 50W/m2 and realised immediately that to achieve this we would have to focus first on air-conditioning – in

Revolutionary air-conditioning systems save SA office building owner and tenants thousands.

Office building saves owners and tenants thousands

Upper Grayston Office Park

EskomT 08600 37566

office buildings heating and air-conditioning typically account for almost half the total energy consumed,” Henderson comments.

“We chose a mixed-mode system, with the air-conditioning switched on when the temperature outside is too hot or too cold, but switched off for tenants to open windows and doors when the ambient temperature is in the sweet spot between 19°C and 23°C which, in South Africa, is actually a great deal of the time.”

The system devised for Brydens is elegant and was relatively inexpensive. Temperature gauges on the roof of Block E are linked to sets of green and red lights that are clearly visible to tenants throughout the building. When the temperature outside is between 19°C and 23°C, green lights are illuminated and the air-conditioning is switched off, encouraging tenants to open their windows.

The energy savings achieved at Block E clearly demonstrate that an upfront investment in systems that lower electricity consumption makes financial sense. Where Brydens targeted 50 to 55W/m2, the actual consumption is approaching 38 to 39W/m2. In its first full year of operation, electricity savings amounted to 230 000kWh – a saving on electricity consumption of approximately R172 000/annum. This translates into a payback (from 2012) on the initial R500 000 energy-efficiency investment of just 35 months.

More specific energy saving advice from Eskom is available on page 176.

Photo by Brydens

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A new compact NVLogiQ room controller from SE Controls provides an innovative solution to meet these requirements. By way of new control and performance algorithms, the controller provides both advanced monitoring and control of NV systems in individual rooms or zones, and combines integrated data logging for detailed offline building performance and environment analysis.

The product constantly monitors indoor air quality, temperature and humidity and, via separate PSUs (power supply units) and actuators, automatically controls the heating and manages the operation of windows, louvres and vents within a building’s natural ventilation (NV) system.

NVLogiQ is perfectly suited to classrooms, offices and other NV applications that demand a stimulating and comfortable environment. It is capable of being used as a stand-alone controller or as a networked solution throughout a building.

The system’s integral data logging capability presents a range of opportunities for consultants, contractors and facilities managers to verify a building’s NV design and performance, and also enables easy undertaking of accurate post-occupancy evaluation.

CO2 temperature and relative humidity readings

are continuously displayed on NVLogiQ’s integral LCD screen, while a red, amber and green “traffic light” display gives a constant indication of indoor air quality. A manual over-ride capability is also built into the room controller, allowing staff to temporarily open or close windows, louvres or other ventilation devices. NVLogiQ’s versatile and powerful control structure is designed for use in a range of natural ventilation strategies, including cross ventilation and single-sided ventilation, as well as managing passive ventilation and night purging.

Maintaining precise control over indoor air quality, temperature and energy consumption are key considerations for buildings using natural ventilation (NV) systems.

Innovative natural ventilation control solution

SE Controls T +27 31 466 1857 W www.secontrols.co.za


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After a cold winter it can be easy to forget how heat can affect our efficiency and productivity. Stuffy offices and closed environments make it difficult to concentrate and can negatively impact overall well-being. However, there are ways to stay cool and comfortable as temperatures start to rise.

Michael McKechnie, Divisional Head for Digital Air Solutions at Samsung Electronics SA, offers the following advice:

Use an air-conditioning system Thanks to advances in design and technology, installed systems offer combined heating and cooling solutions. Many are designed to deliver the optimum indoor climate while minimising environmental impact. The units disperse cool air over a wider area, allowing for more effective temperature control into every corner. This ensures the office is kept at the right temperature, without drawing on excessive energy and ensuring the area stays cooler for longer. McKechnie advises that his company’s systems use bigger blades with wider inlets so that the air is expelled further and the room is cooled faster.

Cut the costsAir-conditioning solutions are often associated with high electricity bills. However, according to Samsung, they are one of the most energy efficient means of cooling or heating. For example, its Triangle range of air-conditioners includes an inverter that ensures the system only runs at the required speed to minimise energy consumption.

Manage allergiesSummer is characterised by hay fever and allergies. Investing in an air purifier system can help to relieve these symptoms. It is important to keep this in mind and look for built-in features that ease the discomfort of seasonal allergy problems. Technology that assists in providing a cleaner and healthier work environment by

A leading supplier comments on how to create ambience using the right technology.

Transform your office into an oasis

Samsung Electronics SA (Pty) LtdT +27 11 549 1500E [email protected] W www.samsung.com

neutralising the bacteria, fungi and pollen that causes allergic reactions is important.

“If you have hay fever or asthma you already realise that clean air contributes to your well-being. Airborne allergens, viruses and infectious bacteria often go undetected. With our range of air-conditioners you do not need a stand-alone air purifier. The unit controls the temperature and keeps the air you breathe clean,” says McKechnie. Air-conditioners also slow the growth of mould by removing excess humidity from the room. The Samsung Auto Clean function prevents moisture from accumulating by running the fan even when the unit is turned off. As a result, both the air-conditioner and the office remain dry and clean.

Two-step cooling“Sitting at a desk with a fan blowing air will not aid comfort or concentration,” says McKechnie. “The same applies to blasts of freezing cold air across one’s back and shoulders – this could lead to discomfort or headaches. Samsung’s technology introduces two-step cooling that keeps air flowing seamlessly around the room at the right temperature.”

The technology automatically adjusts fan speed and wind direction, and there is no need to constantly turn the air-conditioning unit off and on to stop shivering.

“Besides staying cool, summer remains a challenging time of the year for fighting allergies because of increased temperatures. Innovative and cost-effective digital air solution technology can provide the answer and Samsung’s products have been uniquely designed to support businesses all year round,” McKechnie concludes.


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building systems bathrooms


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Local supplier flies high A leading local supplier has recently participated in a number of high-profile projects across the breadth of South Africa.

Healthcare sectorSeveral multi-million rand hospitals, currently under construction, in Mpumalanga have specified Cobra Watertech tapware and plumbing products to ensure a clean bill of health for their new wards and bathrooms.

“Cobra’s trusted quality, functionality, aesthetic appeal and reliability are among the key reasons behind its selection for wards and bathrooms. These include the new MDR TB Bongani Hospital in Hazyview, the new 125-bed Kiaat Private Hospital in Nelspruit, and for upgrades to the staff accommodation at the Rob Ferreira Hospital.

Cobra is a local manufacturer with proven after-sales service and this is seen as a big plus as it means stock is readily available and spare parts easily accessible,” says Nomsa Sindane, Cobra’s specification consultant.

Mixers from Cobra’s Medical range, taps from its Gala range, and Cobra Junior flush valves were specified for wards in the high-tech R237-million Kiaat Private Hospital and the R200-million MDR TB Bongani Hospital.

Cobra’s Medical range is manufactured from polished dezincification-resistant (DZR) brass, which surpasses international requirements for surface materials in the healthcare industry.

Gala taps and Cobra Junior flush valves were also installed in the new staff accommodation at Rob Ferreira Hospital – Mpumalanga’s third largest hospital that serves a community of over half a million people. These taps are from Cobra’s Classic collection and combine the latest design trends with anti-splash, anti-lime aerators and water-saving restrictors to ensure that form and function are in sync.

Willem Ackerman, technical director at A3 Architects, commented that the Cobra products are specified because standard products are readily available and are supported by reliable back-up service.

In Port Elizabeth, upgrades to St George’s Hospital included the addition of a R25-million neo-natal and paediatric intensive care facility. Cobra’s medical mixers qualified as antimicrobial copper fittings and

Photos by Cobra

Tapping into serious projects

Cobra WatertechT +27 0861 21 21 21 E [email protected] W www.cobra.co.za

are ideal for sterile environments. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, antimicrobial copper fittings are “the world’s most effective antimicrobial touch surface material”, as tested in global clinical trials in a variety of ward types and for intensive care.

In addition to the new intensive care unit, staff ablutions and kitchens at the hospital were also renovated. Here Cobra’s Taryn skin mixers, Metsi bib tap, Carina stop tap, and Strata raised basin mixers were used. Timeless in their appeal, the Taryn, Metsi and Carina taps are all from Cobra’s Classic collection, while the Strata pillar mixers are from the chic Style range. All the mixers are robust and feature temperature- and flow-control cartridges that restrict water flow to 6l/min.

Meanwhile, The Life Mercantile Hospital recently opened its renovated surgical ward that has been expanded to accommodate greater numbers of patients undergoing surgical procedures. Aside from its medical mixers, Cobra’s Strata basin, bath/shower and sink mixers, and Cobra hand showers were also installed here.

In Gauteng, another healthcare sector project utilised the company’s products – the new 300-bed Zola-Jabulani District Hospital in Soweto – and Tarsus IT’s new distribution warehouse in Midrand, showcases the versatility of Cobra’s offering across the spectrum of industry needs.

“Cobra products surpass the technical and design expectations of the healthcare industry in terms of hygiene, infection control, safety, ease-of-maintenance and performance. They’re also loved and trusted by the end-user, making them a perfect choice for these new state-of-the-art medical facilities,” Sindane concludes.

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New concealed cistern offers different installation heightsThe new Geberit Omega is a complete flushing system featuring particularly small flush plates and a cistern that is available in three installation heights. Depending on the room layout and where the concealed cistern is positioned, the high-quality flush plates can either be mounted from the top or, traditionally, from the front, opening up a whole new world of possibilities in the area of bathroom design.

Low space requirements, high flexibilityWhen installing a wall-hung toilet below a window, into a low wall, or under a sloping roof, the installation height of the cistern is crucial. With the Geberit Omega concealed cistern, Geberit has introduced a solution that proves a winning choice in more ways than one.

Three installation heightsThe concealed cistern can be installed at heights of 82 cm and 98 cm, both offering top and front flush actuation. The new 106 cm is available with a front actuation only. A water-saving dual flush conserves valuable resources and helps the cistern achieve maximum efficiency.

Top/front actuationThe Geberit Omega concealed cistern is compatible with almost every pre-wall situation. It can be

High flexibilityconnected to the water supply from either the back or on the side, depending on the construction situation. On the two cisterns designed for height restrictions, the flush plate can be attached to either the top or front of the concealed cistern. No special tools are required to install the cistern or the flush plate.

Features at a glance• Flexible solution for custom-designed bathrooms• Flush plate for the Geberit Omega concealed cistern

can be attached to either the top or to the front• The small, compact flush plates offer new

design options• Three possible installation heights enable

maximum flexibility• Installation without special tools

The supplier, hailed as a pioneer and world leader, is well-known for its water-saving, advanced plumbing and sanitary technologies. Geberit’s philosophy is, he who builds responsibly, builds sustainably and creates quality of life.

GeberitT +27 0861 FLUSH 1E [email protected] www.geberit.co.za

Photos by Geberit

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Viega. A better idea! Experience unparalleled control comfort: Actuation of the Visign for More flush is

completely touchless, it happens at the swipe of a hand. This guarantees maximum hygiene, minimises

cleaning work and naturally, thanks to the dual flush mechanism, saves water (Water Efficiency

Class A). More information about the new Visign models and the new WELL label can be found at

www.viega.com.

Harscan Distributors

Tel: 011 787 2993

55 Hill Street, Ferndale, Johannesburg

Viega South Africa : 083 645 0059

Viega Visign for More:Actuating panels with touchlesscomfort.

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Viega. A better idea! Viega Advantix Vario is the first shower channel that can be continuously

shortened. It can be cut to the required length with millimetre precision and very little effort. It

can then be fitted along the wall or anywhere in the room. This enables one to react to all of the

requirements on site. For more information: www.viega.com/global

Harscan Distributors

Tel: 011 787 2993

55 Hill Street, Ferndale, Johannesburg

Viega South Africa : 083 645 0059

Viega Advantix Vario:the first tailor-madeshower channel.

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Viega is a German company that supplies high end bathroom equipment and practical plumbing solutions for the everyday situation. Viega’s range of concealed cisterns has full SABS approval and offers a selection of cover plates that makes them the first choice for the discerning designer. A major advantage with Viega cisterns is the flexibility they offer in that any Viega actuating plate fits any Viega cistern. The actuating plates will complement the Advantix range of floor drains and shower channels and together will lift the tone of any bathroom.

Gone are the days when a shower was hidden away, now with Advantix shower channels and floor drains from Viega you can make the shower the focus of the room. The multiple design prize-winning Advantix products from Viega will offer you freedom when creating a bathroom. With the use of high quality materials like glass it is far more than just a

Look towards Viega to make your bathroom a design dream.

German precision for bathrooms

Viega South Africa Harscan Distributors T 011 787 2993C 083 645 0059

boundary between wet and dry areas in the bathroom. Architecture needs freedom. Advantix shower channels can be used exactly where the building concept requires them to be. Should the shower channel be in the middle of the room to optically separate the dry and wet zones? Or do you prefer it along the wall? With Viega, taste and architecture decide on the position. Polished and matt stainless steel are available as well as the purist glass. In addition, there is also a shower channel grate that allows you to incorporate the tiles into it –tailor made to the individuals taste.

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electrical building systems


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The Be More Independent (BMI™) system, developed and distributed by Gliimo in partnership with German producer, Maxx-Solar Energy (Pty) Ltd, offers South African consumers the first truly viable alternative, sustainable, long-term power solution to the South African grid. It combines photovoltaic cells with an inverter that is connected to the existing distribution board on the premises.

Morné Steyn, capped more than 50 times by his country, believes the launch of the system could not have come at a more important time for South Africa as Eskom once again declares a grid emergency and has begun implementing deliberate power cuts throughout the country.

In his State of the Nation address last month, President Jacob Zuma even called for “radical transformation” of the energy sector, saying that Eskom would have to adapt to redefined roles as the government seeks to optimise the use of renewable energy.

A revolutionary renewable energy option is being championed by international rugby star, Morné Steyn.

New residential solar system launches

GliimoT +27 12 933 0182 E [email protected] W www.gliimo.com

Steyn says the experience of living in Europe, where residents are acutely aware of green living alternatives, has made him realise there is huge potential to be unlocked in terms of South Africa’s renewable energy practices. “When I drive around Europe and Germany, in particular, I notice just how many homes are making use of solar panels, or are powered by windmills,” he notes. “What I find amazing is that Germany creates six times more green energy than America. Then, I think about South Africa and how much sun we have compared to Germany and all the things we could do. The BMI system clearly allows us to reach these goals.”

What makes the system ground breaking is that annually, a staggering 68% of power will be generated through solar power, a further 21% will be stored on the battery, and 11% used from the Eskom grid.

According to Gliimo’s CE, Tommy Davies, the BMI system comprises several core components: the solar generator, a mounting system, a SolarEdge inverter (that studies show recovers 24.8% of energy lost due to shading), system islanding/back-up power, system monitoring and batteries.

“Islanding is a requirement that allows a photovoltaic system to continue generating energy in the event of a grid failure,” Davies explains.

For consumers, one of the key benefits is the monitoring system provided by SolarEdge. This continuously collects data from the inverters on the system side, keeping the customer informed of its status at any given time.

In the case of an error, for example, the monitor immediately informs customers by email or SMS.

Davies explains that for the first year of monitoring on the BMI system, maintenance is free. Thereafter, R150/kwp/year for desktop monitoring is requested from the client as part of the maintenance and monitoring contract.

“Every day the performance figures of the system are evaluated and if there is a problem a technician is sent to site for a check. Our PV systems do not require active maintenance. The client needs to make sure the modules are clean, but that’s about it. For faults involving hardware-related malfunctions under warranty conditions, there is no charge.”

Tommy Davies and Morné Steyn

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building systems electrical

As a home or office investment, Samsung LED bulbs use up to 80% less electricity while creating improved living or working environments. They also generate the best ambience for comfort or productivity, whichever is required for the environment one finds oneself in. The ambience is created to any specific liking, with colour temperatures ranging from warm white to bright white light to bring out the best in a chosen space. The lights can easily last up to 40 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, resulting in a dramatic reduction in labour and replacement costs.

And a smart LED bulbSamsung’s latest LED lighting innovation is the Samsung Smart Bulb. It is easy to control from various smart devices and creates the perfect mood anywhere in a living or working environment. Using Bluetooth technology from mobile smart devises, no other equipment is required to manage up to 64 bulbs within a range of 600m. Dimming lighting to the ideal brightness and changing the colour of the Smart Bulb,

The looming year-end holiday and festive season can be expensive. One way to save is to consider changing to LED Lighting.

Enjoy the festive season and save money

LED Globes

Samsung Electronics SA (Pty) LtdT +27 011 549 1500E [email protected] www.samsung.com

between warm and cool white, can be done from the palm of one’s hand. With Samsung’s Smart Bulb, users can also create and store numerous modes for different areas, allowing lighting to be set to a specific ambience per room or area.

The manufacturer, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, Samsung products transform the world of TVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs, cameras, home appliances, printers, LTE systems, medical devices, semi-conductors and LED solutions. The company employs 286 000 people in 80 countries, and has annual sales of US$216.7-billion.





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floors building systems

The product is a cement-based, self-smoothing, decorative screed available in a wide range of colours. The system is designed to produce a hard-wearing and seamless decorative floor surface suitable for light commercial and residential interior applications.

Recently used as a final floor solution in a residential home in Copperleaf Estate, Benoni, the product is suitably designed for application onto concrete substrates. The surface can be subjected to light foot traffic after four hours, depending on application thickness and ambient conditions, and to full service conditions after approximately 30 hours, temperature dependent.

Application of TAL X-Calibur X-Tech SuperFlow should only be carried out by experienced contractors.

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A new decorative screed is being used as a final floor solution in some upmarket homes.

Final floor solution via screeding

TALGela OhlMarketing ManagerT +27 11 206 9876 / +27 11 206 9700E [email protected]

Once the product is fully cured, it must be lightly scoured using a black scouring pad on a polishing machine. This ensures that the floor is smooth and free from residue left over during the curing stage.

A high-quality penetrating wax sealer is then applied in two stages. The sealer is applied directly to the spreader and then rubbed into the floor. After the first application, a white polishing pad is used on the polishing machine to buff up the sealer. Once complete, a second application of the sealer is applied and left to dry. No further polishing is required at this point.

The wax sealer penetrates the concrete and therefore does not create a synthetic look but rather leaves the concrete with a natural finish.

The product is rapid-setting and shrinkage compensated. TAL X-Calibur X-Tech SuperFlow allows for fast track installation, it is self-smoothing, which reduces labour cost; it is also casein and protein free, providing a seamless finish that is easy to clean. It is designed for interior applications only. Tests conducted by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) show that the product has a compressive strength in excess of 25MPa at 28d. SABS is conducting an array of performance tests on the product to give customers confidence and to assure specifiers of performance.

The product was developed in collaboration with TAL X-Calibur and Rock Solid Flooring and is manufactured locally under license from X-Calibur Construction Chemistry Incorporated.

X-Calibur Construction Chemistry forms part of the TAL building solutions range that consists of construction product solutions with an emphasis on flooring and surface treatments, concrete repair and protection, as well as screeds, anchor grouting and fixings, sealers and coatings, floor hardening compounds and waterproofing systems.

TAL assures quality with its ISO 9001:2008 certification and its products are designed, manufactured and tested to TAL standards, assuring customers that products perform to specification.

TAL’s products are manufactured locally, are compatible with South Africa’s climate conditions and are in line with the latest technology.

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foot surfaces building systems

Rough conditions, remote locations and a harsh climate epitomise the mining sector in Africa. The demand is for hard-wearing, versatile materials, designed for optimum safety.

Local supplier, Vital Engineering, has responded to these needs with a large range of quality non-slip floor gratings, stair treads, expanded metals, and safety hand railings in an array of materials, including galvanised steel, stainless steel and aluminium. The company has now introduced moulded fibreglass gratings to the market and is finding the demand for this material growing, particularly within the mining and water treatment sectors.

“The response to our fibreglass range has been very positive and we are seeing many mining, and mining contracting companies now specifying Vitaglass for their floor gratings,” says Chris Spacey, the supplier’s export executive.

The fibreglass gratings are manufactured with continuous glass fibre strands interwoven in both directions with thermosetting resins. As an alternative to steel and stainless steel, the benefits of fibreglass are many and varied, especially in a mining plant or corrosive environment context.

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Local company features a new, versatile range of fibreglass products.

Fibreglass for mining and corrosive environments

Vital EngineeringDodds Pringle Managing DirectorT +27 11 898 8500

According to Vital Engineering, the advantages of Vitaglass gratings include its weight being half that of steel gratings, making for much easier handling and installation. Fibreglass is also fire retardant, non-conductive, non-slip and, with a quartz grit top surface, is virtually maintenance-free.

“It is also anti-corrosive, making fibreglass a highly viable alternative to steel in the acid environment that often characterises many corrosive areas in diverse industries, including mining,” Spacey notes.

Since 1939, Vital Engineering has been servicing the South African industry with an established reputation for service and the quality of its products produced under the Vitagrid and Maclock brand names. The company supplies the petrochemical, power generation and structural engineering industries, and a number of Australian and Canadian mining companies operating beyond South Africa’s borders. These include projects and clients in Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Burkino Faso, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Namibia and Botswana.

“We are constantly developing new products for challenging environments and identifying the most cost-effective and practical solutions for our clients in developing industrialised countries, with safety as our number one consideration. In just the last five years, we’ve supplied in excess of 10 000 tons of product to the African mining industry, including gold, coal, uranium, copper and cobalt,” says Spacey.

“Our cost of installation is extremely economical, with little or no down-time on site. This is a result of pre-trial layouts prior to shipping, no re-work at high day-work costs, and first-time fitment, apart from other additional value-adds.”

“Because it requires little or no maintenance and is unlikely to be stolen due to its zero after-market value, fibreglass presents a hard-working and lower maintenance product that reduces replacement and maintenance cycles considerably. We are confident that our fibreglass range will enjoy continued uptake because it answers all the demands and challenges of the exacting African mining environment,” Spacey concludes.

Fibreglass at an African mine

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building systems kitchens

Similar to a standard or bathroom mixer, but featuring an extendable hose, a kitchen mixer is ideally suited to the kitchen as pull-out spray heads give unbeatable control, which is useful for rinsing and washing. In addition, hand sprays offer excellent water saving options since flow can easily be cut off by the hand that grips the head. Water spray can be used only where and when it is needed.

WantedA kitchen mixer that easily washes fruits and vegetables with the spray directed exactly where needed. It must readily stretch to accommodate washing giant pots, pans, chopping boards and serving platters, and be easily manoeuvred around the entire sink to make washing the sink and drying area an absolute breeze.

Solution While some kitchens have run of the mill cooks, others boast fiercely talented master chefs. In the same way, some kitchens have handheld spray mixers while others dazzle with a hard-working sink mixer that effortlessly combines multiple washing up functions in one stylish package.

Flex Supreme, by local manufacturer, Cobra, is one product that exactly fits the bill. Whether you are a master chef, a hard working caterer or a homeowner who takes their kitchen and culinary arts seriously,

Photo by Cobra

A retractable hand spray is one of the most sought-after utilities in the hard-working modern kitchen.

Mixing for the kitchen

Cobra WatertechT +27 0861 21 21 21 E [email protected] W www.cobra.co.za

this state-of-the-art mixer currently tops must-have designer lists locally and abroad for its seamless pairing of sophisticated form and superior function – the ultimate offering for successful modern living. “The Flex Supreme retails for approximately R6 340 and should never be confused with cheap imitations,” says a company spokesperson.

A cutting-edge double kitchen mixer with a retractable hand spray, this handy device’s recipe for success is its clever combination of a standard swivel outlet and an oversized chrome-plated spring-mounted hand spray, which lends a distinctive industrial edge to contemporary kitchen spaces.

Cobra’s products are manufactured to meet exacting quality and performance standards that comply with its own internal quality specifications and SABS quality assurance standards. A standard 12-year warranty on all products means that should a manufacturing fault occur at any point during the 12 years after purchase, it will be repaired or replaced for free. The manufacturer guarantees the highest quality tap or mixer from the outset and also offers a comprehensive range of readily available spares backed by dedicated after-sales service.

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Cobra Belina taps

Novel new kitchen options were in abundance at the recent Homemakers’ Expo 2014.

Modular designer kitchens, featuring the latest high-tech appliances and convenience features, were well on display, and a visit to the Kitchenshow display proved the case in point.

Sinks and tapsHowever, when it comes to kitchen taps or sink mixers, the Cobra Belina range of kitchen mixers catches the eye. Paired with the right basin, the Belina range offers a timeless look with a long-lasting character, especially for busy kitchens.

The Belina range, recently specified for leading IT distributor, Tarsus Technologies’ new Waterfall City warehouse, also combines optimum performance with durable functionality.

According to Leane Vletter, Cobra Key Accounts Manager & Specifications, the architect chose Belina kitchen mixers because they offer quality and durability in a high-traffic environment, without compromising aesthetics or performance. “Reliable after-sales service was another key consideration,” she adds. “Cobra’s Belina range sets a new industry benchmark

By Gareth Griffiths

Eye-catching display at Homemakers Expo.

Kitchens on show

KitchenshowT +27 21 514 5100Cobra WatertechT +27 0861 212 121E [email protected] www.cobra.co.za

for high-quality, value-for-money products that combine sophisticated aesthetics, innovative engineering and practical functionality, such as responsive touch and drip-free operation.”

CupboardsTo Build has heard regarding kitchen cupboards, that natural wood is expected to be quite big in the States in the upcoming season. This will include mixed wood types and also coloured wood, with grey coming into fashion. The grey tones are inspired by driftwood. In North America there will also be the use of other natural woods such as maple and cherry,

The ever popular oak will hold its head high again in 2015. And then of course, there will be white to make a neutral statement.

Photo by Gareth G

riffiths Imaging

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Increasing surface reflectivity (to reduce the amount of solar energy absorbed and converted to heat), and evapotranspiration (to cool a surface through latent heat loss), are two key strategies for reducing the intensity and longevity of UHIs.

Urban forestry has been found to produce the greatest reduction in surface temperature per unit area by increasing evapotranspiration. It includes street-to-trees (curb side planting) and grass-to-trees (open space planting). Living roofs (roof-to-grass), also effectively increase evapotranspiration, particularly in areas with limited space at street level. However, these roofs do not have as much impact on energy demand because they afford little additional shading to buildings.

Replacing dark surfaces and roofs with light surfaces and cool roofs increases the reflectivity of the city. This is a very effective UHI mitigation strategy because more surface area can be transformed in this way than can be planted.

Cool roofsCool roofs help reduce the intensity of UHIs and maintain thermal comfort while minimising energy demand in buildings. Cool roofs have high solar reflectivity and, preferably, high thermal emittance. High solar reflectivity means that less energy is

Leading supplier, BlueScope, presents a case for Urban Heat Island (UHI) mitigation based on its sustainability technical bulletin.

Mitigating Urban Heat Islands

absorbed into the roof initially, thereby reducing the amount of energy that can be converted to heat and reradiated as long-wave radiation. This reduces the heat that can move from the roof to the atmosphere by convection and conduction, and limits the amount of long-wave radiation that interacts with greenhouse gases that heat the atmosphere. The surface temperature of a cool roof can be up to 39°C less than a dark coloured roof. (Source: http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/about/index.html)

High thermal emittance means that any energy absorbed into the roof is reradiated from the building quickly (again increasing thermal comfort and minimising energy demand).

BlueScope and cool roofsThe Building Code of Australia (BCA) classifies roof colour based on solar absorptance (the inverse of reflectance) expressed as a ratio between 0 and 1. Solar absorptance values are based on as-new/unweathered product. A value of 0 indicates that a roof absorbs none of the incoming solar radiation, whereas a value of 1 would mean that a roof absorbs 100% of the incoming radiation. Three classes have been established: solar absorptance of less than 0.35 (very light), solar absorptance of between 0.35 and 0.55 (light), and solar absorptance of more than 0.55 (dark). 110

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With the recent upgrade of the Durban Point Precinct, near Durban Harbour, one of eThekwini Municipality’s sewage pump stations needed to be upgraded and relocated closer to the harbour entrance. Once Group Five Civil Engineers had completed construction of the pump station, Goba Consulting Engineers specified specialised products from Sika to ensure that the roof area was effectively waterproofed.

To begin with, Sikalastic-841 ST, a two-part elastic liquid-applied pure polyurea membrane with a very fast reactivity and curing time was applied to the roof substrate. This product is applicable in temperatures ranging from -15ºC to 70ºC, and is 100% solids with zero VOC. Its excellent crack-bridging properties, and

Use of polyurea membrane for waterproofing in a hard-wearing aggressive environment.

Polyurea specified for a tough job

chemical and abrasion resistance, makes it the ideal product for many waterproofing and anticorrosion applications on water tanks, bridges, walkways, parking decks, and sewage and waste water treatment plants.

Once subcontractor, Industrial Linings Natal, had completed the surface preparations of the roof slab, two coats of Sikafloor-161, an economical two-part epoxy-resin primer, were applied. This low viscosity solvent-free, multi-purpose primer is suitable for concrete substrates, cement screeds and epoxy mortars. It is easy to use with short waiting times and provides good penetration and excellent bond strength. 106

Photo by Sika

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To ensure a watertight pump house roof, the entire roof slab (approximately 600m2), including all detailing, was then sprayed with Sikalastic-841 ST (1.5 mm thick). This method of coating is achieved using plural component, heated, high-pressure proportioning spray equipment. To complete the new structure an instant grass roof with an infiltration system was installed over the layer of Sikalastic-841 ST. With Durban’s humid, sub-tropical climate and over 1000 mm of annual rainfall, the waterproofing efficacy of these Sika products will undoubtedly be proven.

Sika’s international product lines feature high-quality concrete admixtures, specialty mortars, sealants

[ ]Editor’s comment: Significantly, the theme of this issue of To Build is design and products for all South Africa’s seasons. With global climate changes, certain areas are receiving greater measures of rainfall and it is the development and application of products such as these that provide useful ways of dealing with the realities of aggressive and sometimes changing climates. This is also good news for the green roof industry.

Sika South Africa (Pty) LtdPaul AdamsT +27 31 792 6500W www.sika.co.za

and adhesives, damping and reinforcing materials, structural strengthening systems, industrial flooring, and roofing and waterproofing systems. It has a worldwide presence in 80 countries and some 15 200 employees link customers directly to Sika and guarantee successful partnerships.

Grass laid on top of Sikalastic

Photo by Sika

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BlueScope Steel Southern Africa (Pty) LtdT +27 21 442 5420E [email protected] www.bluescopesteel.co.za

BlueScope produces a range of roof products with low solar absorptance (high reflectance).

Light coloured Clean COLORBOND™ steel, incorporating Thermatech™ solar reflectance technology, has higher thermal emittance than ZINCALUME® steel, which is not painted. So a light coloured Clean COLORBOND™ steel roof not only reduces the amount of solar radiation absorbed, but is also very effective at reradiating heat. This means that the building will be cooler overall, and cool down more quickly when the sun goes down, helping to reduce energy demand.

Overall, a light coloured painted steel roof, on a building surrounded by trees to provide shade and

water movement to the atmosphere, is one of the best design scenarios to reduce the intensity and the impact of UHIs.

In South Africa, architects are beginning to utilise the energy-saving potential of cool/white roofs, using Clean COLORBOND™ Steel in large commercial development projects, such as shopping malls, warehouses and other buildings.

A pair of circular tanks in Holdsport’s yard, made from ZINCALUME® steel – the signature product from BlueScope, a well-known multinational steel roofing company – supply high-pressure water for the automatic sprinkler system used for fire-fighting inside the warehouse.

The system was specified by Aurecon as an integral part of the building’s life safety and fire-fighting systems, and the tanks were built by SBS Water Systems in Durban. According to Brian Wilson, SBS Water Systems’ Sales & Marketing Manager, each tank has a usable storage capacity of 414 000 litres for a total of 818 000 litres. “These SBS Tanks™, Model ST12/08, have a diameter of 8.19m and an overall height of 8.41m, and are designed and installed to comply with the strict regulations that govern the fire protection industry.”

As far as light-weighted durability is concerned, ZINCALUME® steel tanks are in a class of their own. “SBS™ has been installing tanks made from ZINCALUME® in South Africa, and beyond its borders, since 1998. We only uses ZINCALUME® steel to manufacture the outer shell and roof cover of our SBS Tanks™ range because of its proven track record as a superior product with excellent strength, corrosion-

High tech and sustainable, aluminium zinc water tanks help to protect the modern Holdsport warehouse in Phiilippi, Cape Town, against fire.

Emergency life safety system water supply

continued from page 101

Photo by Gareth G

riffiths Imaging

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safety building systems

E [email protected] +27 21 442 5420F +27 21 448 9132W www.bluescopesteel.co.za

SBS Tanks™E [email protected] +27 31 716 1820W www.sbstanks.co.za

resistant properties, and the consistent quality of the material we receive,” Wilson explains.

“A metal coated product’s life is ultimately decided by the environment it is exposed to, the amount of coating metal applied to the base steel, and the evenness of its application. Our ZINCALUME® steel has a guaranteed minimum coating mass of AZ150g/m², which is our customers’ guarantee of long-life performance,” adds Wayne Miller, BlueScope’s GM in southern Africa.

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Tile Africa Contracts was recently selected as one of the preferred suppliers to provide tiles for the New Concept Design of Standard Bank branches. The new-look interior is a design collaboration between Standard Bank and the Design Partnership, a retail and hospitality design specialist. The roll out has been implemented at thirteen pilot sites with an average size of 600m².

“The aim of the new design was to achieve a more inviting, user-friendly environment that is different from the typical sterile banking atmosphere. It focuses on the client,” says Carina Maree, Design Manager at Design Partnership.

“We’ve built a strong relationship with Standard Bank by supplying the previous generation tiles for the past two years, and most of the Standard Bank-approved contractors have an account with us,” says Eleanore Hoare, Architectural Specifier at Tile Africa Contracts.

Tile Africa Contracts’ specifiers match the product with the specification and keep the technical aspects in mind to make sure that the tiles they supply are suited in terms of traffic and durability.

Tiles were not initially specified during the conceptual stage of the project. “Although we didn’t originally opt for tiles, they ended up being the best solution in terms of durability, cost and aesthetics,” says Maree.

The tiles chosen are 600 x 600 mm glazed porcelain tiles in a light cement colour, and a 150 x 600 mm wood-look glazed hard body porcelain inkjet tile used for accents. “The warm tones of the wood-look tiles are trendy and create a welcoming feeling,” Hoare comments.

The specification called for tiles that can be easily cleaned and are suitable for commercial applications. The tiles supplied have a PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating of 4 and MOH (Method of Hardness) rating of 8, making them highly suitable for this application. Cost and availability were key factors that influenced the tiles selected. “Our footprint enables easy distribution in South Africa and Africa and we ensure that stock is available for the day of delivery,” Hoare points out.

Photos by Tile Africa

High aesthetic and quality tiles to adorn the walls of Standard Bank.

Banking on tiles

Tile Africa Contracts T +27 11 979 0327E [email protected] www.tileafrica.co.za Design PartnershipW www.designpartnership.co.za

Of interest to project specifiers is that this supplier offers an extensive range of technical and aesthetic products that cover every requirement and application. With its strategically located distribution centres, centralised co-ordination for national projects, and specialised advice from experienced consultants, the company offers peace of mind from concept to completion.

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Cape-based manufacturer, Revelstone, has expanded its range of engineered precast concrete products by launching Off Shutter, a wall cladding (25 mm) that can be used for enhancing unplastered brick and other types of wall surfaces or finishes.

Simulating the look of in-situ off shutter concrete, its different sizes can be combined to create realistic and attractive wall finishes for internal and external applications. Using Tylon WB114, the product is easy to use and cost-effective to apply.

Revelstone’s director, Alex Cyprianos, comments that Off Shutter has a more refined texture than in-situ concrete and, being a wet-cast product, can be consistently manufactured in almost any colour or quantity, large or small.

“Off Shutter cladding is extremely durable and hard wearing, making it a great option for both commercial and residential structures. It is currently available in our standard concrete and weighs approximately 56 kg per square metre. However, we are also launching a light-weight version that will reduce its weight by more than 50%, making it even easier to apply.

The manufacturer’s R&D team uses traditional masonry skills combined with modern moulding techniques to painstakingly reproduce an original master that is then used to create a mould. This hands-on approach allows them to create custom made products to meet specific design requirements. This investment in innovation has resulted in a world-class, cast stone product that can be used as

Photos by Revelstone

Clever Off Shutter cladding launches

RevelstoneT +27 21 761 9739E [email protected] www.revelstone.co.za

an alternative to real stone – a product that looks authentic in appearance, has both ‘green’ and cost advantages, and can be used by architects, landscapers and home owners to create award-winning buildings, developments, homes, and gardens of distinction. (Source: www.revelstone.co.za)

“The market has been waiting for an alternative to in-situ off shutter concrete for some time now and Off Shutter provides the answer, especially when one considers its refined appearance and multi-colour options,” says Cyprianos.

It is available in four sizes in any of Revelstone’s standard 16-colour range:• 1000 mm x 500 mm x 25 mm• 500 mm x 500 mm x 25 mm• 1000 mm x 300 mm x 25 mm• 500 mm x 300 mm x 25 mm.

This seemingly offers designers and architects a versatile and attractive alternative for a clean-cut, modern finish.

Revelstone is a Concrete Manufacturers Association NPC (CMA) member and also a member of the GBCSA, signalling a commitment to green building outcomes.

Available in four sizes, it has been designed to simulate the look of in-situ off shutter concrete.

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Enjoy the view…

Since 2007 the price we pay for energy has skyrocketed by over 400%. The solution is not more energy generation, but better, more efficient use of what we have.

As a result the Government now requires all new commercial and residential developments, including renovations, to use energy efficient windows.

Teva windows and doors are made from high-quality components sourced from the world’s most experienced manufacturers, and are designed to excel in the harsh South African conditions.

To see our range visit www.tevawindows.co.za or call us on 086 183 8272

…with the most energy efficient windows in South Africa.

Enjoy the view...

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REHAU Authorised Partner, Teva Windows, fabricated 47 casement windows and 17 French doors for House Bosch using REHAU Tritec 60mm uPVC profiles in white. The owner chose uPVC with double glazing for the entire project to facilitate energy efficiency. The ground floor double-glazing was further enhanced by adding armour-plated glass.

House Bosch is an example of energy efficient building methods that can be used to insulate a building and curtail ever-increasing electricity costs.

The double storey house was built using TASS (Thermal Acoustic Slab System) blocks for the floor slabs to conserve energy. Expanded polystyrene hollow building blocks from APB Building Products were used to insulate the walls of the home. Furthermore, heat pumps are used for the water heating system and Daikin inverter airconditioning units keep the temperature in the house at a comfortable level.

“Double glazed uPVC windows and doors are the obvious choice for energy efficiency and safety. They also require very little maintenance and will never rot, warp or need sanding and painting”, said Pieter Malherbe of Teva Windows.

Other upmarket housing projectsTEVA Windows, also recently fabricated and installed 418 uPVC windows and 51 uPVC doors at the development known as 22 On North, in Dunkeld West, Johannesburg.

“We specified uPVC windows and doors for their energy efficient features. Furthermore, uPVC windows require little maintenance and will not rot, warp or need painting or sanding, which is an added advantage,” said Bryce O’Donnell from project developers, the Hunta Property Group.

The top and side hung casement windows from TEVA Windows were manufactured using a specifically designed white UV stable uPVC profile system from REHAU. The windows were fitted with multi-point

Photos by Rehau

House Bosch case study

TEVA WindowsT 086 183 8272F 086 691 8435W www.tevawindows.co.za

HOUSE BOSCHKEY FACTS:Location: Johannesburg, South AfricaSystem: REHAU Tritec 60mm, whiteFabricator: Teva Windows Special Features: High specification, energy-

efficient residence

Dukeld West 22 on North

House Bosch

locking mechanisms from ROTO, Europe’s leading hardware manufacturer, for increased security. The apartments were fitted with TEVA’s uPVC sliding doors and TEVA’s uPVC bi-fold doors fabricated using uPVC profile systems from REHAU.

Buyers of the 36 apartments on offer had the option to choose single or double glazing for the windows and doors, and many of them chose the double glazing option for the obvious comfort and soundproof advantages it offers them.

][

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Fenster offers the ultimate European aluminium window and door products, backed by more than 25 years’ experience, to assist designers to make their designs a reality. The company takes evident pride in creating beautiful products inspired by leading architects and designers.

Fenster only uses the best components and accessories of the highest standard from Europe. Specialising in double glazed units, Fenster has the know-how and products to support distinctive and custom-made designs – steering clients in the right direction with its experience and technical knowledge.

Custom-made and hand-crafted Custom-made to meet individual tastes and architecture, Fenster’s products are styled on contemporary European design. The company ensures that all units are manufactured to perfection, which it does by assembling the units one by one, by hand, with its skilled labour force overseen by experienced management in its South African-based factory.

SafetyFenster’s products prioritise appearance without compromising on safety. Security features are concealed in the design, offering protection against body-weight attacks and preventing tools from being used to break locked and bolted components. Furthermore, the system carriers the glazing bead on the inside of the frame, not the outside, making it impossible for burglars to get access to clients’ homes by removing the glass.

European quality aluminium window and door products backed by experience.

Life through the fenster

Fenster Aluminium (Pty) LtdPanos TsouroullasT +27 11 796 5165E [email protected] www.fenster.co.za

Double glazingFenster specialises in double glazed units, which can also be transformed into single glazing units. Standard double glazed units weigh about 30kg/m2. Fenter ensures its system carries the weight while still offering large openings to create bigger uninterrupted views. Furthermore, Fenster only makes use of the best glazing suppliers, ensuring high-quality double glazed units manufactured to clients’ specifications.

Sound-proof qualitiesThe flexibility of Fenster’s manufacturing system allows for tailor-made windows and doors, each designed to fit clients’ requirements. In noisy environments, Fenster provides effective glazing solutions to maximise a building’s acoustic insulation.

Weather-proof solutionsFenster’s aluminium windows and doors system provides a high level of waterproofing as it’s designed to force water to escape outwards. Additionally, only the best rubbers sourced in Europe are used. With this attention to quality, and the system’s engineering expertise, Fenster ensures the elimination of air-leakage.


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Photos by Rehau

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A national uPVC manufacturer has released case studies on the applications of energy-saving and sound-reducing doors and windows.

Energy efficiency for efficient academicsThe University of KwaZulu-Natal invited REHAU to participate in a national pilot study on energy saving building methods, undertaken at the Oliver Tambo building of the University’s Westville campus. The purpose of the study was to observe the success of double-glazed uPVC windows and externally applied thermal insulation to an existing building to achieve financial energy cost savings.

Nine north-facing first floor aluminium windows were replaced with 20 mm double-glazed uPVC windows manufactured from the UV-stable REHAU Ecotec system. The Cape Windows Group, a REHAU Authorised Partner, manufactured the casement windows and fixed glazed units. National Glass sponsored the glass for the windows. A GVK-Siya Zama team removed the aluminium windows and installed the REHAU uPVC windows. Additionally, ETICS, a polystyrene thermal insulation panel system from Saint Gobain, was fitted to the outside wall of the installation area.

uPVC Windows do great work

REHAUT +27 11 201 1300F +27 11 201 1350W www.rehau.com

This specific section of the Oliver Tambo building was chosen for the energy saving study as it receives direct sunlight, resulting in uncomfortably high temperatures in the offices. Subsequently, air conditioning usage was high. Greg Diana, who heads the UKZN Energy Management team, has tentatively indicated that a 20% energy cost saving was achieved in May 2014, thanks to the combined insulating properties of the new materials used.

A thermal camera was used to compare the heat of an REHAU uPVC window with an existing aluminium window on the building’s second floor on the same side. With an outside temperature of 35°C, the thermal scan of a double-glazed REHAU uPVC window read 38°C and an aluminium window 52°C, representing an improvement of 36%. The results of the ongoing monitoring of energy cost savings achieved with the energy-efficient building methods employed at the Oliver Tambo building will be published by the University at a later stage.

University of KZN Campus



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MATERIALSadhesives ........................................124

bricks & paving ............................127

cement & concrete ....................131

coating & paints .........................138

insulation ......................................142

timber & decking ..........................149

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ow


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According to the UN, the world’s population is expected to reach approximately 8.3 billion by 2030, and society will need 50% more food, 45% more energy and 30% more water to sustain this growth. Science will play a critical role in addressing these global challenges, and Dow (NYSE: DOW) is dedicated to innovating science-driven solutions. With its newest breakthrough, BETAMATE™ Structural Adhesives, Dow delivers on an aggressive target it set in 2006 to introduce three breakthroughs that will significantly help solve world challenges, such as affordable and adequate food supply, decent housing, energy and climate change, and clean water.

As a built-environment mouthpiece, To Build finds significance in any developments that impact the malaise of our global cities, for example smog/haze formation, emissions and other activities that accelerate global warming.

In recent years sustainability has increasingly come to the forefront as a key consideration in vehicle design and manufacturing. In the US and the European Union, in particular, aggressive new fuel efficiency and GHG emission standards are already being implemented, with more aggressive targets expected for 2020 to 2025. Major emerging markets – including China, Brazil, India and Russia – are also pressed by air quality challenges in megacities, as well as the fastest motorisation growth rate in history.

Recognising changing consumer behavioursConsumer behaviour is also changing the marketplace. As energy prices continue to represent a substantial portion of budgets, customers are purchasing more fuel-efficient vehicles. In parallel, vehicle original equipment manufacturers are working hard to address a growing and valuable segment of customers, who prefer large vehicles (full-size pickups and SUVs), by drastically reducing fuel consumption.

Recognition from consumersAdditionally, consumers are rewarding companies they feel align with their own values, which means increasing scrutiny on the efficacy of corporate sustainability goals.

A major international company shares its remarkable advances with To Build. Sustainability milestones achieved.

Science advances human progress

Dow Sub-Saharan AfricaAlexander DöllT +27 11 575 1547 E [email protected]

These facts point to a need – on the part of transportation and vehicle manufacturers – to substantially increase fuel economy and decrease manufacturing footprints in a very short period of time, while still delivering improvements in safety and performance that customers expect.

These increases are less likely to come from radical vehicle redesigns, unknown technologies or expensive new vehicle programmes. Instead, technologies like BETAMATE™ Structural Adhesives represent an important tool for automakers to facilitate lightweight vehicle assembly using existing manufacturing processes to achieve the desired benefits.

And that could greatly help to mitigate urban global warming impacts. (Ed).

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When carrying out building work, improvements or maintenance, it’s essential to take proper safety precautions. When using contact adhesives, make sure to choose products that won’t put your health (or that of anyone assisting you) at risk.

Some substances in DIY products can be harmful. Toluene is a good example. This clear liquid, with its distinctive smell, is widely used as a solvent in contact adhesives. However, if a product containing toluene is applied incorrectly it can be detrimental to your health.

According to experts, exposure to high levels of this chemical may affect organs and systems in the body. Toluene is also highly addictive and intentional long-term exposure can have severe effects. Even low to moderate exposure can lead to light-headedness and headaches, among other symptoms. (Reference: US National Library of Medicine http://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/chemicals.php?id=301)

Henkel, a global leader in contact adhesives, focuses on delivering products that are safe and effective. The supplier informs To Build that its Pattex range of contact adhesives are proudly toluene free.

“When selecting contact adhesives we tend only to think about the features that will help us to get the job done. However, it’s also important to consider whether these products pose any risks to our health,” points out Bronwyn Maclaurin, Henkel’s Product Manager.

“Always take note of potentially hazardous ingredients, such as toluene. You can request safety data sheets from manufacturers to check the hazardous contents of any adhesive. Henkel has a toll free line (0800 13 8181) where customers will receive information on all our Pattex products.”

Bronwyn shares these safety tips for using a contact adhesive:• Always wear safety goggles, a dust mask and

gloves (even latex gloves) when dealing with contact adhesives.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and storage.

• Check the packaging – it will provide safety and hazard warnings.

• A contact adhesive works by releasing (flashing) solvents, which are harmful if inhaled and especially

Contact adhesives: Put your health first

Safety first: some welcome advice

Henkel Product Manager: Hardware Bronwyn MaclaurinT + 27 11 617 2582 E [email protected] free line: 0800 13 8181

if breathed in repeatedly. A well-ventilated room will ensure that the solvents are cleared from the air more rapidly, preventing damage to the lungs and body.

• Do not smoke, work near a naked flame or close to machines that produce sparks when working with contact adhesives.

• Always discard an adhesive that has expired.

What to do in cases of direct exposureIf you get direct physical exposure to contact adhesives, follow these guidelines: • On your hands: Wash well with soap and water. Use

a skin moisturiser afterwards.• In your eyes: Wash immediately with copious

amounts of running water for at least 10 minutes. Cover the affected eye with a sterile bandage. Consult an eye specialist.

• If swallowed: Flush your mouth and drink plenty of water. Consult a doctor.

• If inhaled: Move to fresh air and/or put on an oxygen mask is symptoms demand it (and if available). Then consult a doctor.

Ed’s note: To Build comends Henkel for its responsible approach.

Photos by Henkel

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bricks and paving materials

How does one convert a dull bitumen-coated flat roof or terrace into an attractive paved surface without the use of grout or any other form of binding agent? One answer is suspended paving, a process that uses concrete flagstone pavers without the use of any binding agent.

Unlike conventional paving or tiling on a concrete surface where pavers or tiles are attached directly onto a concrete base layer using grout or some other binding agent to create an impervious watertight surface, suspended pavers are mounted on small polythene sandbags (see picture) without the use of any adhesive or binding agent. All that’s needed to keep the pavers firmly in place is their weight. Moreover, they are laid 10mm to 12mm apart, creating a water permeable surface.

These and other advantages are why suspended paving is finding increasing favour among some of the country’s leading architectural practices. And, the process has already been used on some major construction projects using pavers supplied by

Local manufacturer introduces concrete flagstone pavers with no binding.

Suspended paving is in the bag

Phot

o by

CM

A

Cape-based manufacturer, Revelstone. These include Cape Peninsula-based projects such as Liberty Life’s headquarter premises in Century City, Bloemhof in Tyger Valley, Wembley Square in Gardens, and some student residences in Stellenbosch. Suspended paving has also been used at Dainfern Square in Johannesburg and Liberty Life’s Umhlanga offices in KwaZulu-Natal, among other high-profile projects.

According to Johnny Schwartz, a suspended-paving pioneer and partner at Louis Karol Architects, the process offers some distinct advantages over conventional roof-top or terrace paving.

“In the first instance it allows for the creation of a level paved surface on a base that is sloped for drainage purposes. Flat surfaces are achieved by altering the thickness of the supporting sandbags to compensate for the slope. Secondly, because the paved surface is permeable, there is no water pooling even during the heaviest of storms. This means that as soon as the rain has abated, the surface can be walked on without any concerns for wet feet.

A suspended paving installation taking place at Wembley Square in Cape Town.

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materials bricks and paving

“Another major advantage is that the paved surface creates a protective layer that shields the waterproofing on the base layer from the sun’s UV rays and other forms of possible damage. However, in the event that the base layer does require some routine or other maintenance work, it is easily achieved by simply lifting the pavers and then reinserting them once the job is complete,” he adds.

“Contrast this with the expense and inconvenience of lifting and replacing pavers that have been grouted to the base layer. Moreover, no expansion joints are needed with suspended paving and there is no chance that the pavers will crack or lift from wind or earth-induced movement,” Schwartz explains.

Revelstone director, Alex Cyprianos, says that suspended paving is generally used in low-traffic areas such as concrete roofs, balconies and terraces.

“The pavers tend to be large, averaging 600mm² and 55mm thick. We produce a wet-cast flagstone

The completed suspended paving surface at Wembley Square.

Photo by CM

A

RevelstoneAlex Cyprianos T 08611 73835 E [email protected]

paver for the purpose, which is steel reinforced, and we can also make up special shapes to accommodate curved borders.”

The sandbags used in suspended paving are filled with a mixture of sand and cement that hardens once the laying process is complete. Over time the polythene outer casing deteriorates, leaving a hard and durable concrete core.

Received via the Concrete Manufacturers’ Association, of which Revelstone is a member.

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REVEL STONE_fcp.indd 1 10/21/14 11:11 AM

FOR ALL YOUR CLAY FACE BRICK REQUIREMENTS

Our National Distributor!

ContactTheo Rosema082 555 0343

Suzette van Niekerk012 460 2211 ext 1086 627 7027 [email protected]

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Contact

www.rosema.co.za - [email protected]

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131

cement and concrete materials

In August, the CMA’s two-day seminar in East London covered current trends in the precast concrete industry, and was presented by some of the country’s leading precast concrete experts. The sponsor was AfriSam Cement.

Some 30 delegates qualified for CPD points, and subject matter included recent developments in precast concrete raw materials and finished products, as well as some current initiatives in the overhaul of industry standards.

Day one covered the extensive roll that precast concrete plays in modern road construction, an overview of modern cement production, concrete release agents and admixtures, the design of concrete retaining blocks, Eurocode 6 in relation to the revision of SA’s masonry standards, and product and construction standards for concrete block paving (CBP).

Day two included practical aspects of concrete retaining blocks – the causes and prevention of failures in CBP and special CBP applications, basic masonry units, and the construction of multi-storey buildings using load-bearing masonry.

Fred Crofts from FSC Consulting Engineers.

The Concrete Manufacturers Association NPC (CMA) staged a two-day E Cape seminar on current trends in the precast concrete industry.

Fresh light on precast concrete

Phot

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MA

Concrete Manufacturers’ AssociationWally Armstrong T +27 11 805 6742

The seminars were chaired by CMA executive director, Wally Armstrong, who opened the event with an overview of the CMA. Precast concrete roads and all paving-related subject matter were covered by independent paving consultant, John Cairns. Masonry matters and multi-storey buildings were presented by consulting engineer and masonry expert, Fred Crofts from FSC Consulting Engineers.

Structural engineer, Dennis Walters of Walters and Associates, lectured on some of the applications and advantages of concrete retaining blocks, and the two presentations on modern cement production and application were made by Mike McDonald, manager of AfriSam’s centre of product excellence, and Amit Dawneerangen, AfriSam’s national multi-products solution manager. The presentation on release agents and concrete additives was delivered by Chryso’s Eastern Cape sales manager, Patrick Flannigan.

Wally Armstrong, CMA executive director, opens the CMA’s Eastern Cape precast concrete seminar.

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urochem advertorial

Urochem Trading is one of the leaders of locally-manufactured concrete expansion joint sealants and has been in the epoxy and construction industry since 1986. The company has grown its product range over the last few years and now manufactures and supplies products to the civil, construction and chemical industries. The team at Urochem prides itself on striving for customer satisfaction and consistent product quality.

Urochem sells products to niche markets where technology is important; and competes in commodity markets by utilising in-house processes to produce equivalent products at lower prices.

The company offers sealants for water retaining structures and chemical-resistant sealants for applications where a high-performance product is required.

Urochem has the ability to produce sealant in a wide range of colours, and can match colours to customers’ demands should the project require it.

Urochem sealant rangeOne-component polyurethane sausages (600ml) – 15 Shore A to 45 Shore A

Consistent product qualityTwo-component polyurethane sealants/fillersPolysulfide joint sealants (resistant to fuel, oils, water and exterior exposure)Chemical-resistant sealantsHigh-performance highway sealant

Polyurethane CoatingsTwo-component aliphatic polyurethane coatings (UV stable, non-yellowing)One-component moisture-cure aliphatic coatingsOne-component moisture-curing systemsOne-component moisture-curing primersOne-component zinc-rich primers

EpoxiesTwo-component epoxy paintsTwo-component epoxy high-build coatingsEpoxy screedsEpoxy crack injectionEpoxy puttyEpoxy putty/patching compoundsWet-to-dry concrete adhesivesWater-based epoxy paintEpoxy primersEpoxy tile adhesives

AcrylicsWater-based acrylic sealerSolvent-based acrylic sealer

Urochem TradingT +27 11 608 2073/4770/0711/0851W www.urochem.co.za

Above: Highway sealantsAbove right: Expansion joints and saw cuts.Below and below right: Epoxy coatings: Urochem epoxies are also supplied and used in industrial applications where a high-performance product is required.

Flooring: A wide range of epoxy products are available, from crack injection for small cracks to large repair packs for larger damages; and floor coatings from chemical resistance to high-wear non-slip coatings.

15 Shore A to 45 Shore A

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advertorial diverse urethanes

Diverse Urethanes manufactures a large number of polyurethane systems tailored to meet customers’ distinctive requirements. Areas of specialisation include mining and coatings, which include spray, two-component and one-component systems; boat filling for bouncy, and rigid foams for various applications. Also formulated in-house are specialty products such as one-component moisture-cured polyurea coatings, one-component waterproofing coatings, and fire barrier paints and sealants.

The company has a fully-equipped manufacturing plant and QC facilities to ensure product conformance and reproducibility. It also has a pool of experienced polyurethane technologists to meet customers’ present and future demands.

Spray products for the construction industryThe ultra-high performance solvent free 1:1 polyurea spray system offers superior abrasion and chemical resistance, and is suitable for parking decks, as tank and dam liners, and as a waterproofing membrane. The system is also unique in that the overcoat period can be as long as 12 to 16 hours before inter-layer delamination becomes a problem.

Tailored polyurethane systems

Diverse UrethanesT +27 11 608 2584W www.divure.co.za

Speciality products 1. Liquid Rubber – one-part waterproofing coatings available in a non-slip or smooth version – can be painted or spayed on, bonding to most surfaces without the use of primers. This coating is UV stable, available in various colours, has 300% elongation, and dries within four to six hours. Gap filling properties eliminate the need, in most cases, for additional membranes and re-enforcing. It can also be used in place of torch on.2. Moisture cured one-part polyurea coating that provides excellent physical properties. Suitable applications include tank liners, floor coatings, and corrosion protection on steel and wood. The product is UV stable and exhibits excellent coating strength.3. ThatchCote is a clear one-part coating formulated to extend and protect thatch roofs from discolouring over time. It has the added benefit of protecting the thatch against seeds and birds. A fire-retardant version is also available.4. Fire barrier paint and a fire barrier sealant at 3mm offer Class 1 fire protection.5. Moisture cured one-part urethane expansion joint sealer sausage, used in flooring applications or where sealing cavities is required.6. A range of light-stable concrete sealers, available clear or pigmented.7. A range of concrete moisture barriers sealers.8. Two-part polyurethane self-levelling floor systems that offer excellent physical and chemical properties. Used in car parking decks, factories, and for cooling room floors.9. Panel adhesives for constructing modular panels with non-separating properties.

Also available are other standard and higher performing 1:1 spray systems comprising of 100% polyurethane and polyurethane-polyurea hybrid systems for a variety of applications. Used in construction or mining equipment protection, floor coatings in showers, factory floors and waterproofing applications.

Other products include aromatic and aliphatic rubber crumb binders for waterparks, swimming pool areas and anti-fatigue floorings.

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materials cement and concrete


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Huge security wall at Waterfall Estate

The wall, situated at the 640Ha Waterfall Estate in Midrand, is currently under development by Century Property Developments.

Rising on the eastern perimeter of the property on gently sloping ground just above the Juksei River, the wall forms a secure boundary between what will become a wooded parkland and a new public road, yet to be built.

The wall is an example of Echo’s full-service security wall solution that involves column and foundation designs, civil and construction work, and wall panel installation.

The Waterfall project was a joint venture between Echo Prestress, Encon and V-Con Civils. The wall was built in two sections, one at 540m and 3.6m high, and the other at 400m and 4.2m high. This height variance is not easily apparent to the naked eye, mainly because there is no stepping and the wall follows the natural slope of the land. To facilitate this, ground-level panels were cut trapezoidally (at the same angle as the gradient).

The panels were secured between H-section galvanised-steel columns that were bolted onto cast-in-situ concrete foundations. The columns were spaced at 6m centres, allowing for 25mm installation tolerances on either side.

Echo Group marketing director, Melinda Esterhuizen, says there are several advantages to this type of walling – major considerations being speed of construction and cost.

“Eight to 10 bays, or 48 to 60 linear metres, were completed daily (eight hours). A conventional masonry

A huge security wall, just under 1km long and up to 4.2m high, has been built with prestressed hollow-core panels manufactured by Echo Prestress.

Echo PrestressMelinda EsterhuizenT +27 11 589 8800

wall would have taken two to three times as long, with no advantage gained in strength or durability. In fact, because our panels have a compressive strength of 50MPa, they are virtually indestructible,” she comments.

“The cost of building a security wall using prestressed hollow-core slabs is considerably more economical than an in-situ wall offering the same properties. Moreover, precast walling requires no shuttering or propping, onsite curing, formwork or grouting,” says Esterhuizen.

She adds that the Waterfall wall had additional architectural features, such as gabion cladding on the inner-facing steel columns, textured painting, and the attachment of electrical wiring on top of the wall. “We are currently researching additional architectural finishes for future wall projects.”

Esterhuizen concludes by saying that the concrete slabs and steel support columns are both 100% recyclable and reusable. “The wall itself has a very long life span, is maintenance free and, other than occasional cleaning, no maintenance is required. It can also be dismantled and reused.”

When completed in 2020, Waterfall Estate will include the largest shopping mall in southern Africa, the Mall of Africa, as well as residential estates, retirement villages, business parks, a hospital, five-star hotels, a private school and a Gautrain station.

The northern end of the wall, built on a steeper gradient.

Photos by Echo Prestress

Electric security wiring was fastened to the steel supports.

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materials paint and coatings


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Through successes in making decorative coatings lead-free, low-VOC and eco-kind, as well as producing ground breaking products in the market, Plascon has successfully advanced the industry conversation. The company focuses on innovation and creating real value for its customers.

For 125 years, Plascon has blazed the trail in the production of quality coatings with innovative and ground breaking technologies. Each year sees the launch of new products and improvements that add to its existing arsenal of green solutions. A leading environmental approach incorporates an international environmental management system that continues to place the manufacturer at the forefront of the coatings industry.

Having first introduced its landmark seven-year guarantee in 2002, advances over the past 12 years preceded a launch of a premium range, including flagship brands such as Double Velvet, Cashmere, Kitchens & Bathroom, Velvaglo, Nuroof Cool, Wall & All and Micatex. The advances provide an extended guarantee on its Premium Plus range, more than doubling the guarantee on interior paints to 15 years, and extending the guarantee of exterior paints to 12 years.

To date, Plascon has had many triumphs in green coatings, including Plascon Natural Deck Coating – a complete natural solution for treating wood that was introduced to the market in 2013; lead-free formulation for all its decorative paints; low-VOC and eco-kind coatings; and Plascon RemovALL – a completely eco-friendly paint remover. The company fully supports the Department of Health’s drive to regulate the lead content in paint, and abides to a Code of Conduct published by industry regulator, The South African Paint Manufacturer’s Association (SAPMA).

A state-of-the-art laboratory, housed at the Plascon’s development centre in Krugersdorp, and a Research Centre at Stellenbosch University, ensure technical and quality advances. Kansai Plascon Africa has access to the leading global technologies of the international Kansai Paint Company group. The Kansai Paint Company is the market leader in Japan, a top ten global player with over 500 chemists, and an annual investment in excess of USD50-million made towards research and development. The result of this combined

Plascon Kansai has successfully advanced industry conversation and supports legislative requirements.

Quality from a trailblazer

Plascon KansaiMelanie AndersT +27 11 951 4500W www.plascon.co.za

know-how is that the South African market benefits from cutting-edge innovation.

Additionally, Kansai Plascon recently received one of its best B-BBEE ratings and is now recognised as a Value Added Supplier. By increasing its procurement recognition from 110% to 137.5%, the combined B-BBEE status and Value Adding Supplier position effectively make Kansai Plascon the preferred procurement choice, especially when tendering for projects. By collaborating with Kansai Plascon, customers benefit through improved B-BBEE procurement scores.

Earlier this year, Plascon pushed the envelope even further by launching a new water-based Velvaglo, once again proving that a commitment to research, development and a greener environment is key to producing remarkable products with rewarding results.

Plascon’s approach to green also includes its manufacturing. The implemented Environmental Management Systems in each of the South African manufacturing sites ensured that Plascon attained ISO 1 4001 certification at all its manufacturing plants. The company will continue to pioneer environmentally-sensitive products without compromising the exceptional standards and performance for which it has become renowned..

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Distributed by local partners, Wall Design Africa, Smart Wall Paint is a whiteboard paint that transforms entire surfaces (walls, desks, table tops, doors, glass and more) into writing surfaces, providing users with a limitless canvas for creativity and collaboration.

Smart Wall Paint business customers currently include Google, SAP, NBC Universal, Coca Cola, Microsoft, Tesco, Marks & Spencer, BT, Vodafone, Facebook and Virgin, as well as many small businesses around the world.

Educational usesEducation customers include universities, colleges and schools all over the world, such as the University of Tasmania, Trinity College, Bristol University, the Royal College of Surgeons, London School of Music, the Deaf Society, plus many more.

“I use it on a planning/brain-storming table for students. They almost line up to use it! They see the space as one in which they can plan effectively on a bigger scale than what a computer or paper allows. They love drawing on it,” comments Simon McKenzie, Aquinas College, Gold Coast (AUS).

Global software company, SAP, uses Smart Wall Paint in its hallways, on pillars, in meeting rooms, and on general walls in open-plan office spaces. They find

An award winning product, Smart Wall Paint, has entered the South African market.

Award winning Smart Wall Paint

Wall Design AfricaT +27 11 704 9305E [email protected] www.smartwallpaint.co.za

that using Smart Wall Paint outside of meeting rooms has transformed otherwise unproductive areas and surfaces into great collaborative, creative spaces.

“It is a pleasure to be announcing the Smart Wall Paint product to the South African market. Smart Wall Paint is a great product and the fact that anyone can use it just makes my job as a distributor so much easier,” maintains Jacques Lombard, Director of Wall Design Africa.

Corporate endorsements“Our facilities team has fallen in love with your Smart Wall Paint.” Allyson Lupton, Furniture Category Manager, Office Depot (UK)

“We love it, and use it on a daily basis. We use it as a teaching example for financial planning. We blew our client’s mind the first time she started writing on the wall. Thank you for creating such a great product.” Lorraine Jenks, Wealth Financial Group West, Inc. (USA).

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142

ADVERTORIAL

Proposed residential or commercial developments are frequently met with requirements to comply with environmental impact assessments and myriad local and national building regulations. And so they should be!

Also, there is an ever increasing desire from end users to contribute to solving the problems our rapid human growth continues to create. On a macro level we think of global warming and ozone depletion, in our cities and suburbs we have energy wastage, poor water quality, flooding, heat islands, and a perceived disconnect from the beauty and nurture of Mother Nature.

The clarion call is for energy efficiency, comfortable living and sustainability in all our interactions with our environment.

Surely the increasing use of green roof options is at least part of the solution?

A green roof is basically a planned garden planted atop the roof that, if correctly designed and implemented, provides many benefits to the building, its occupants and the local environment. These include thermal and acoustic insulation, opportunities for water management through filtration, grey water recycling and storm water control, regeneration of local flora and fauna, additional space for recreation and relaxation, as well as for commerce and to restore our connection with nature.

To green, or not to green?Looking down on a city one sees harsh surfaces,

reflecting the materials used and shapes chosen to build with. However, imagine seeing bits of the Cape floral kingdom, or bushveld, respectfully restored to solve some of the problems that our way of living creates. Perhaps even some farming…

Green roofs are not cheap solutions, and they require a wide range of expertise to design and construct correctly. They are also not regulated, so best practice would be your guide, based on considerable international research and experience of green roof construction.

Green roof best practice suggests an inverted roof system should be considered, where appropriate thermal insulation is installed above the water proofing membrane. The insulation almost indefinitely protects the integrity of the water proofing against the effects of the sun, weathering and physical damage. Above this are the drainage systems, soil and plants, as well as paving for pathways.

The insulation should be as water resistant as possible, durable, and control heat flow over the expected life of the building, easily 50-plus years. IsoBoard XPS is the thermal insulation of best practice choice, contributing to energy efficiency as but one of the benefits of a green roofing system.

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materials insulation

Launched in 2006 as a human-friendlier alternative to many of the common insulation products in the market, Eco-Insulation has made good inroads into meeting the needs of specifying professionals and builders looking for eco-friendly, safe and energy-efficient thermal or acoustic insulation.

Official bodies and industry associations have also taken note of the company’s efforts, which began with the SA Productivity Award Eco-Insulation received in the Western Cape shortly after its inception. This award was presented because of the urgent sense of purpose and importance the company attached to qualifying for SABS certification.

Eco-Insulation was then awarded an excellence accolade in 2008, when it was presented with the “Energy Efficiency Company of the Year Excellence Award” by the Southern African Energy Efficiency Association. And, more recently, the company received its PCC (Product Compliance Certificate) from the Thermal Insulation Association of SA, essential when specifying insulation for a project in accordance with SANS 10400-XA.

Eco-Insulation’s General Manager, Richard Ellis, explains: “The PCC can be used with the SANS 1381-6, 2011 certificate when confirming compliance for customers who demand assurance that the use of our product is acceptable to risk managers and underwriters, as well as for green building energy-saving compliance requirements. It is relevant to point out that there are other insulation brands in the South African market that are not certified to SANS 1381, don’t possess a PCC, nor are they listed on the TIASA Fire Register. In the event of an incident, customers

Official specifying bodies and industry associations are taking note of a supplier’s progress.

A brand taking flight

Photo by Energy|MC

Eco-InsulationT 0860 105 231E [email protected] www.eco-insulation.co.za

may not be covered by their insurance when using these products.”

In the domestic retrofit and housing development markets, Eco-Insulation’s mailbox and consumer activist sites, such as Hello Peter, have received positive comments from satisfied clients nationwide. Just one example from a happy client: “I thought I would let you know that the insulation you installed has made a noticeable difference to the ambient temperature of the house. We are happy with our purchase. Besides that though, I’ve discovered a bonus. Our house is directly (and I mean you can see the rivets in the undercarriage) below the incoming flight path of planes landing at the airport. The insulation has created a noticeable sound damping and our teeth and crockery no longer rattle when a plane comes over! Thanks and regards, a satisfied retrofit client (August 2014).”

Eco-Insulation sees its success as being attributable to its dual focus on quality and on people. “Our dedication to quality is demonstrated by the awards we have received, and our commitment to people and the environments in which they live. This is confirmed by the time customers take to say thank you, and by the recognition we have received for our contributions to sustainable living and energy efficiency. See our website for an extensive list of recent customer testimonials,” Ellis adds.

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Tel/Fax: (+27) 011 614 5967 Tel: (+27) 011 614 5786 / 9786

Fax2Email: 086 246 9287Email: [email protected]

Email: [email protected]: www.agismail.co.za/insulation.html

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timber and decking materials

Deck this out

Contour Decks constructs stunning timber decks and has made its mark in southern Africa by carrying out specialist installations as far as Livingstone in Zambia.

Specialist construction of domestic and commercial decking is undertaken using sustainable South African Radiata plantation-grown pine for 95% of structural applications. This is unconditionally treated against bug and fungal infection. Decking is generally run of the mill hardwood, fastened with quality stainless steel torx screws.

Safety railings and balustrades, including high-end frameless glass, laser-cut stainless steel and hardwoods, are also fabricated and installed by the Contour Decks.

Materials and construction methods that result in the longest possible life of the project are used, and sound building practises are adhered to.

Cape-based Contour Decks has been called to remote destinations all over southern Africa to offer its products and services.

Contour DecksT +27 21 794 8361E [email protected] www.contourdecks.co.za

Balau decking onto a SA Pine structure with a Balau fascia and solid Balau posts to match. The safety railings are Balau and have coastal grade 316 stainless steel 1x19 wire to provide safety and unobtrusive views. The timber deck installation compliments this older Green Point home that was modernised by the owners, effectively increasing the light through large opening doors that take advantage of natural light and natural air movement when open.

Phot

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Sch

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Above: A Balau deck coated with a water-based acrylic sealer adds functionality and exceptional aesthetic value to the main entrance to the Fairmont Hotel, Zimbali Estate, KwaZulu-Natal. The walkway bridges the impressive water features.

Left: This upmarket Clifton residence is complimented with a Balau deck and clear, polished frameless safety glass.


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SERVICESplumbing & reticulation ...........156

furniture & furnishings .............160

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services reticulation

Beautiful gardens require regular irrigation and incorrect installation methods or unfamiliarity with your irrigation system can often create unnecessary headaches. Guilliam Oberholster, MD of IPS Ltd, a wholesale irrigation and hardware company, offers advice on how to install your system correctly.

Considerations before installing an irrigation systemAccording to Guilliam, the pressure of the municipal water supply and the amount of available water are two of the most important aspects when considering an irrigation system for your garden. If you have a borehole, the pump selection also plays an important role.

The time of day is another important consideration as municipal pressure changes at different times of the day. Guilliam says that the difference between early morning (2am), midday and late afternoon (5pm) can vary between 2.5 bar and 10 bar.

Establishing water flowTo establish how much water is available, Guilliam recommends the use of a 10l bucket, a fully opened

By Zelna A. Oberholster

Guilliam Oberholster

Understanding and correctly installing irrigations systems saves headaches.

Garden irrigation maintenance

Photo by Zelna Oberholster is a freelance w

riter and a mem

ber of Safrea

tap and a stopwatch. Put the bucket under the fully opened tap and start timing it in seconds to see how long the bucket takes to fill. Divide this number by 10 (litres of water) and multiply by 60 (seconds in a minute) and again by 60 (minutes in an hour). This will give you the volume of water per hour.

For an example, where you may calculate you have you have 3 600l/h of water available for every irrigation line, you may install any number of sprinklers on the line to the total maximum flow rate of, say, 3 500 l/h.

Ensure that the water originates from the tap closest to your water meter as this will ensure you have optimal water supply with the least pressure lost.

Guilliam also recommends using a pipe with a larger diameter as pressure will be lost using a thinner pipe. The diameter of the pipe has the greatest impact on the amount of water transferred between point A to point B, as does the pipe’s length, 90° elbows and T-joints. Pipes can be galvanised, copper or HDPE.

“The easiest is to use 25mm LDPE (low density polyethylene) Class 3 or 6 pipe (which means that it can handle three or six bar pressure in a closed system) for irrigating a 1 800m² garden. This way,

Phot

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Zel

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olst

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services reticulation

approximately 1 000l/h can be transferred through a 20mm LDPE pipe and approximately 2 500l/h through a 25mm LDPE pipe,” Guilliam explains.

SprinklersThere are different types of sprinklers for different applications. However, Guilliam doesn’t recommend using different types of sprinklers in the same area – rotating sprinklers release much less water than the cone-shaped sprinklers, resulting in uneven water distribution. By using the same type of sprinkler in each area, water will be evenly distributed with no pools of water accumulating or dry patches appearing. Another point to remember is that sprinkler heads must overlap 100%, otherwise water coverage is ineffective. An example would be to install each sprinkler 3m apart if the radius sprayed is 3m per sprinkler.

The Signature range of pop-up sprinklers from IPS is suitable for installation on lawn and open areas, while the RainX micro sprinkler swivels, with a range of 90’, 180’ and 360, can be used for fine and delicate gardening or for herbs, fruit and vegetable gardens.

Garden controllersOnce a sprinkler has been chosen, it’s important to select the correct indoor and outdoor garden controllers. The Signature range of indoor garden controllers is available in four and six stations, and in four, six, nine and 12 for outdoor stations. The difference is that the indoor controller has a separately installed external transformer (supplied with the controller) and is not water- and sun resistant. The

outdoor controller has a built-in transformer and is protected by a UV-resistant watertight cover. An optional rain sensor can be added, which saves water by automatically interrupting the irrigation cycle when rain falls on to it.

SolenoidsEach irrigation line or a zone must be linked with an electric solenoid. The electrical solenoid valve opens to supply the line with water after the controller sends a pulse through to open the valve. A manifold is a collection of several valves that are connected to feed the various stations.

The controller is supplied with 220V power from the house, which flows through a transformer and reduces it to 24V, and supplies the computer at the 2 AC poles. The controller should never be installed closer than 2m from any power devices such as fridges or air conditioners as it can damage the computer.

IPS LtdT +27 12 661 2015W www.ipsltd.co.za

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services furniture and fittings

It is always a pleasure to walk the floors of the Homemakers Expo where the media is warmly welcomed, even as a walk-in.

Innovations in furniture and fittings design are very quickly surveyed, providing an indication of future trends. At the Eclipse stand, for example, an interesting collection of multi-coloured polymer-based chairs for use by catering or hospitality businesses were on display.

The company informs me that it offers a diverse range of related products, including kitchen accessories, knobs and handles, contemporary chairs, and tables for the commercial and domestic industry. Products are aimed specifically at kitchen and cabinet manufacturers, hardware retailers, designers and architects. (See the Kitchens section in To Build).

Eclipse has an obvious mission to discover new things, to meet the latest trends, and to give options to the market – clearly aiming to keep clients inspired.

The company is positioned as a national distributor of quality products sourced from global manufacturers who are the forerunners in their respective fields in terms of quality, innovation, function and design. Eclipse is proud of its partnerships with these reputable companies.

Eclipse also offers an array of contemporary dining chairs suitable for indoor and outdoor settings. Designs

By Gareth Griffiths

An editor’s walkabout at the recently held Homemakers’ Expo in Cape Town revealed some thought provoking new designs in furniture.

Bright new seating innovations

Photos by Gareth G

riffiths Imaging

W www.eclipsegroup.co.za/contact-us/contact-details/

Eclipse has outlets in each of the major centres. Refer to its website for details.

are inspired by the latest international trends, and the chairs are functional and comfortable.

A range of dining chairs can be used for domestic use in dining rooms, kitchens and patios; for the hospitality industry in restaurants, bistros, coffee shops; and for the commercial industry in meeting areas and canteens. According to the company’s website, these products are of the highest quality, sourced from leading manufacturers worldwide.

Representative of leading brandsDuring its 30 years in business, Eclipse has established itself as a leading supplier of Blum products, world renowned for exceptional design and superior quality of motion. Blum, an international company, specialises in the production of functional furniture fittings including hinge, lift and runner systems, and the appropriate assembly tools for the cabinet making and furniture industry.

Source: www.eclipsegroup.co.za

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OffICE gREENINg ...........................165

sOlAR ...............................................166

EDgE lAUNCH .................................168

PUBlIC fOOD gARDENs .................171

ENERgy sAVINg BENCHmARKINg 172

ENERgy EffICIENCy ADVICE .........176

OPINION ...........................................180

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The opening keynote address was by Africa futurist and founder of Flux Trends, Dion Chang, who sketched a comprehensive overview of where the continent is at present and where it may be headed in the future. True to current predictions, Africa is challenged by the fast track urbanisation trend and the African Youth Bulge, which will rise to 66% by 2040. At that time, two of every five children born globally will be in Africa.

Chang outlined a scenario of Africans doing it for themselves to an increasing extent, coping with the resources at their disposal including those in the built environment.

After the announcement of the Green Star Africa programme, well-known Australian architect, Mick Pearce, gave a thought-provoking account of his experiences of using bio-mimicry and sustainable methods in work he has done in Africa and around the world.

However, it was speaker Dr Chris Luebkeman who had the audience spellbound with his fascinating account of what is really happening in cities by looking down at rooftops. Luebkeman is a global director of

The Green Building Council of South Africa hosted its annual convention early in September and presented delegates with an African continental focus. Many of the speakers presented both the challenges and also unique African innovations of the built environment. Indeed, the Convention theme was: It’s time for Africa. Bringing it home.

GBCSA Convention 2014

GBCSAT +27 86 104 2272 W www.gbcsa.org.za

Arup, charged with foresight, research and innovation. His Time for Tomorrow presentation was illustrated by many of his own photographs.

Echoing many speakers’ views that there is wisdom in age, Luebkeman’s view is that the soceity of old understood four things:

• Change is constant.• The future is fiction.• Participation is what shapes the world.• Everything inconvenient will change.

In closing, he threw a challenge to delegates. Our present is bound by the decisions of our past. How should we design our buildings now, with the future in mind for 50 years onwards? Echoing the sentiments of environmental thinkers such as Al Gore, “There is no right or wrong in nature, only consequences”.

Dr Chris Luebkeman Architect, Mick Pearce Futurist, Dion Chang

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There’s a substantial difference between talking about environmental issues and actually doing something about them. The Green Building Council (GBC) (SA) is one organisation that has a proud and tangible track record. Recently it took a commendable step forward by including indoor plants in its own offices. By doing so, and by including the use of plants in their assessment criteria for Green Star accreditation, GBC (SA) has given its unequivocal support for the presence of indoor plants in the built environment.

The GBC (SA) is a non-profit company and one of 92 members of the internationally-recognised World Green Building Council. It is tasked with leading the greening of South Africa’s built environment. The GBC (SA)’s Green Star SA rating system offers building owners an opportunity to submit documents for independent evaluation against set criteria. Based on the submission, applicants may be awarded four-, five- or six-star certification. The presence of indoor plants helps towards the achievement of the highest accreditation possible.

The positive impact that this certification can have on a company’s corporate image is both extensive and valuable. Committing to a greener environment can positively influence a business’s image for employees and customers, as well as contributing to a cleaner indoor environment. The inclusion of indoor plants into the built environment now constitutes an investment with a quantifiable return. By including indoor plants into the design and layout of modern office buildings, designers ensure that their customers leverage the plants’ benefits while also fulfilling a moral and legal obligation to the environment.

Indoor plants – an investment with a quantifiable return.

Office greening

[ ] “Whatever good things we build end up building us.” ~ Jim Rohn

Interior Plantscapers’ AssociationW www.ipsa.za.com

Modern designers are required to factor in the legislative, ethical and environmental aspects of the green building movement. The right to a clean and safe working environment in South Africa is required by the Occupation Health and Safety Act (1993), which defines the employer’s responsibility to supply a safe work environment. The provision of air that is free of hazardous airborne pollutants is one of the inclusions.

Many older buildings were not designed in accordance with modern environmental requirements. Scant attention was paid to air-flow and environmental engineering aspects, often leading to problems for office designers. In any building, particularly the semi-sealed or air-controlled environment of modern offices, it is important to rid the air of pollutants. Indoor plants offer a low-cost solution to this problem. Considering this and the value-added benefit of helping organisations to maintain a healthy image, investing in indoor plants offer a quantifiable return.

The Green Star SA Existing Building Performance Tool assesses the environmental performance of existing buildings in operation. Hence the value in “retrofitting” with office plants (Ed).

The green building movement is gaining traction. By endorsing the presence of indoor plants and including them in accreditation requirements, the Green Building Council is giving designers a clear message and offering an opportunity at the same time. The presence of indoor plants will:

• Help to ensure a clean-air environment• Improve the morale and the productivity of

employees• Ensure legal and moral compliance• Be aesthetically pleasing to occupants and

customers• Enhance brand image and improve corporate

identity• Help towards a Green Star rating

The presence of indoor plants has been endorsed at the highest level and it now makes business sense to invest in the many benefits their presence provides.



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Early in September, representatives from key stakeholders in the African PV market set out their vision for solar development across the region in a series of key presentations at PV Project Development Africa 2014. The summit was designed to establish a roadmap for solar development in Africa, both within the government-driven Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) in South Africa, and for private distributed PV projects across Africa.

Convincing inputs from international playersThe conference began with a convincing presentation from Wido Schnabel from Canadian Solar, followed by a series of insightful presentations from Arnold Rix, Gestamp Solar, and Daniel Goldstuck, Aurora Power Solutions, in discussions moderated by Simon Haw, Director at Aurora Power Solutions. Important themes included getting the most from the REIPPPP by unlocking the keys to site selection, and what the future of solar in South could look like.

Finance Key financiers, including Nic Tucker (Investec), Sakkie Leimecke (Nedbank), and advisors, Rob Futter (Cresco Project Finance) and Coenraad Krige (MD at Eaglestone Capital Advisory), discussed the fine margins and risks involved in reaching financial closure in an intense panel discussion moderated by Kasief Isaacs (PwC).

After a detailed presentation by Mott MacDonald, there was a key Eskom presentation that prompted much audience discussion about how a sustainable grid could be built to deal with renewable energy generation.

Presentations then moved to small scale distributed generation, and day two opened with a hugely insightful presentation by Coenraad Pretorious (Anglo American) about his company’s reasons for adopting solar. He was joined on the panel by the CSIR and Frank Spencer (First Solar). The discussion was followed by presentations on the market for private PPA’s of solar. Presentations by market leaders, Avelar

Source: David Williams, Sep 16, 2014 for PV InsiderCredit: Published at (http://news.pv-insider.com)

Internationals – Canadian Solar, Jinko, First Solar, SMA and more key participants – lay out their vision for solar development in Africa.

First Solar Convention in SA

Photo by Gareth G

riffiths Imaging

PVInsiderW www.news.pv-insider.com/users/david-williamsE [email protected]

Energy and Amatola Greenpower, also prompted a swathe of audience questions.

The afternoon saw some of the global PV heavyweights join the discussion with presentations from Elecnor, SMA and Jinko Solar, all discussing how they have contributed to solar production in Africa by assisting developers to meet their Local Content Requirements.

The conference concluded with a discussion about the small-scale financing available for solar PV with in-depth presentations from Andy Tant (Cresco Project Finance), and Jonathan Berman (MD at Fieldstone) who highlighted the key trends and challenges of funding small-scale projects.

The event confirmed South Africa as one of the world’s leading solar markets, and revealed that this could be the centre from which solar development can take off across sub-Saharan Africa.


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The launch of the EDGE rating tool in South Africa


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A new green building certification programme was recently brought to South Africa thanks to the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) and its partnership with World Bank Group member, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and local rollout partner, the National Home Builder Registration Council (NHBRC). The announcement was made to the public in September at GBCSA’s 7th Annual Convention.

EDGE – Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies – helps to facilitate a transformation of the property sector in rapidly urbanising countries by influencing design considerations. To achieve the EDGE standard, minimum savings of 20% energy, water and embodied energy in materials must be met.

“This entry into the housing market is another major milestone, illustrating our commitment to bolstering and promoting green building in all sectors of property development in South Africa. The ground breaking partnership between the GBCSA and IFC sees South Africa become the first country to operate the EDGE certification programme for homes on behalf of IFC,” says Brian Wilkinson, CEO of the GBCSA.

“This partnership puts South Africa in a leading position globally to test and apply simple, easy-to-use green rating software for homes at scale, and extends the GBCSA’s impact of trying to transform the way

By The Green Building Council of South Africa

Green Building Council brings IFC’s EDGE to South Africa’s residential property market.

GBCSA edges in in which residences are built. We can utilise EDGE to target the largest sector of the property market in the country. The commercial office sector is already covered by the GBCSA’s Green Star SA rating tools, while the residential property development sector is now be supported by EDGE,” he adds.

“Built on a user-friendly interface, the EDGE tool also assists in determining the financial viability of green building initiatives early in the design stage. Its aim is to reduce energy and water consumption, calculating upfront costs and potential operational savings,” Wilkinson explains.

“We are delighted to be able to leverage the systems and structures of the NHBRC as our local rollout partner. With its support, and the launch of the EDGE programme in South Africa, we foresee a groundswell of greener and more sustainable residential developments in the country.

“EDGE means that green residential developments can now be recognised for their efforts. We hope to make a big, positive impact on more green residential developments, and to provide for an increased number of South Africans who are looking for innovative ways to make their homes greener and less impactful on the environment,” he adds.

“This is an exciting development that affords us an opportunity to benchmark ourselves against our international counterparts that have already introduced services related to energy efficiency and green buildings. It will also benefit housing consumers, builders and developers as it transforms how homes are designed and built. We are proud to be the local rollout partner with the GBCSA,” comments Dr Jeffrey Mahachi, NHBRC’s Head of Centre for Research & Housing Innovation.


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GBCSAT +27 86 104 2272 W www.gbcsa.org.za

“The goal of IFC’s EDGE programme is to help build capacity for developers, banks and governments to mainstream resource-efficient buildings in rapidly-growing economies around the world,” says Marcene Broadwater, IFC’s Global Head of Climate Strategy & Business Development.

The GBCSA anticipates that mostly large residential developments, that rollout free-standing homes, will target certification using the rating tool, and less so apartment buildings and single home owner builders.

“EDGE has been adapted for the local South African context, especially in light of the SANS 10400 Part XA energy efficiency building code. This code was promulgated for all new buildings in 2011. EDGE will undergo final adjustments with some industry input and review before being released to a few pilot projects later this year, and launched to the market early in 2015,” he adds. Medium to large residential projects, currently at concept design stage, interested in piloting certification using the EDGE rating tool, should register their interest with the GBCSA via the email address: [email protected].

“Leading design professionals working in the design and construction of homes will be invited to participate in a Technical Working Group in late 2014, which provides a sounding board during the review and final adaptation of the EDGE rating tool for the South Africa market,” Braune notes.

Since 2009, IFC has invested more than $600-million in green buildings, including homes, commercial buildings, hotels and hospitals, both directly and through financial partners. For more information, visit www.ifc.org/edge.

With EDGE, builders can assess the most cost-effective ways of bringing green features into their designs. Financiers can offer better terms to developers and green mortgages for homeowners, and governments can do their part through incentives and improved regulations.

Prashant Kapoor, IFC’s Principal Green Buildings Specialist and the inventor of EDGE, says: “South Africa was clearly the right choice for the début of the EDGE programme at a national level. Here, buildings account for 48% of electricity consumption, with 37% of that attributable to the residential sector. We hope to make significant strides in remedying this pattern in years to come by working strategically with GBCSA on realising the potential of the residential market.

“The GBCSA team has already proven to be excellent partners through their broad reach, superior technical knowledge of the marketplace, and reputation for excellence. We look forward to applying our experiences in South Africa to our EDGE target markets, which include Costa Rica, Indonesia and India.”

Manfred Braune, Chief Technical Officer at the GBCSA comments: “EDGE will initially be launched as a programme for new homes being designed and built.


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Imagine discovering an edible garden of paradise, hidden within a concrete jungle, bursting from the sidewalk and climbing the wall. Imagine urban design that uses nature as its artistic medium, invoking the senses of sight, smell, taste and touch to inspire and feed the body, mind and soul. City of Eden aims to “Grow Cape Town into an Edible City”. It has gone beyond the imagination stage with the launch of its Public Food Wall, part of the Cape Town Art Street, in Roodehek Street, Gardens, that took place in August 2014.

The story of installing the wall is one of community, sharing and collaboration. Founder, Anna Shevel (jokingly referred to as Eve), saw an incredible opportunity to collaborate with the Cape Town Art Street and a perfect location for part of the “public growing” campaign.

As with all of City of Eden’s growing projects, plants chosen needed to fit criteria stipulated by Anna to ensure that each City of Eden garden is an inspirational vehicle for education and awareness in line with the project’s ethos. The criteria include:

• Inspire and educate• Invoke the senses• Promote biodiversity• Attract other life forms• Be edible• Include indigenous, organic and heirloom species • No chemicals, and strictly non-GMO

Through crowdsourcing, Cherene Barret (Cherene Organics) and Bridget Albert (GROW Landscapers), kindly donated all the plants needed and shared some of their bountiful knowledge as to which plant species would survive the windy street.

One of the World Design Capital 2014 (WDC2014) signature projects, City of Eden’s Public Food Wall, is an awareness-raising activation that challenges preconceived notions of where food comes from, how it is made, and how public spaces can be used more inclusively and productively.

City of Eden – Public Food Wall

WDC2014W www.wdccapetown2014.comCity of Eden ProjectC +27 82 820 8735 E [email protected]

Besides it awareness-raising activation, City of Eden’s Public Food Wall introduces the novel concepts of free food available for all without regulations or the restriction of ownership. Importantly, the wall is a physical expression of City of Eden’s aims and ideals, which are:

• To reintroduce the concept of Eden into urban aesthetics and underutilised urban spaces.

• To grow food that is freely available for passers-by, birds, bees, butterflies and all other beings.

• To grow plants that are either organic, indigenous or heirloom species using natural, chemical-free processes and non-GMO.

• To promote biodiversity and create micro-ecosystems within the city.

• To reconnect city dwellers with how food is grown and the process and rhythms we rely on to grow food that we take for granted when we eat and shop.

• To encourage community values and sharing by gifting indiscriminately and without expectations.

• To reclaim public space by using it for public benefit, upliftment and beautification.

• To learn as much as possible from every experience and to share that knowledge to empower others.

Urban farming techniques demonstrated at the WDC2014 Design House Exhibition

Photo by Gareth G

riffiths Imaging



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The Clicks Group saw the National Energy Barometer Survey (NEBS) as an opportunity to collate energy-use information for entry, and to understand the Group’s energy baseline to improve its performance on energy-saving projects year-on-year. In the 2012 utility year, this effort rewarded Clicks with the top performer in the Head Office NEBS category. The NEBS focus is on new and existing buildings, and whether they are occupied and operated in an energy-efficient manner.

“At the moment, the energy industry is complex because of the fast development of energy-efficient products. Not knowing which products are most effective presents a challenge to implementing the

The Clicks Group head office in Woodstock, Cape Town, houses 1 200 employees. According to the latest records, since 1966 this facility has a remarkable record as a top performer in efficient use.

Major retailer users energy benchmarking

Clicks Group Head Office Building, top ranking building in the National Energy Barometer Survey for the 2012 utility year in the Head Offices category.

most appropriate equipment for your building,” explains Siglinda Losch, Sustainability Facilitator for The Clicks Group. “As such, an annual check is carried out to ensure that the technology being implemented works and gives back savings as anticipated.”

InitiativesEmployee engagement contributes to the success of the energy saving initiatives at Clicks. Staff members are encouraged to save energy at home and are regularly informed about company energy-saving initiatives. The Group has an online sustainability report where these initiatives are communicated.



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Clicks Group Head Office Building, top ranking building in the National Energy Barometer Survey for the 2012 utility year in the Head Offices category.

The Energy Training FoundationT +27 41 367 1041E [email protected]

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ENERGY BAROMETER SURVEYIn its fifth year benchmarking buildings in South Africa, NEBS was developed by energy efficiency engineering specialists, Energy Cybernetics, and is administered by the Energy Training Foundation (EnTF) – the sole training partner of the AEE in America and the training provider of the SAEE in South Africa. The ultimate objective of NEBS is to create an awareness of consumption levels and the emissions footprint for each facility, with a view to becoming more environmentally aware and to play a much needed role in energy conservation.

To see where your hotel, shopping centre, car dealership, airport, general office building, head office, retail store or hospital ranks, enter your building in the 2013 NEBS database by logging on to www.energybarometer.com.

Customers are also informed about these initiatives through the Clicks ClubCard Magazine whenever there is an opportunity.

“Luckily, the building is designed in such a way that energy savings or switch-offs are done from a central point and are adapted to the behaviour of the employees in the building,” Losch adds. Some of the other savings initiatives that have delivered positive results include fitting all equipment, including computers and printers, with power-save modes. The new bathrooms in the building are fitted with motion sensors and LED lights, and building lights are switched off whenever appropriate.

A project currently being undertaken is the installation of two heat pumps to replace all the existing geysers.

ChallengesTo overcome challenges, Clicks found it best to install products in certain areas of the business, then measure the performance of the products and evaluate the savings achieved before further deployment to the rest of the building once they prove to deliver financial savings.

The greatest challenge for further energy saving initiatives has been the capital expenditure needed for implementation, true for most organisations. Technology is expensive and implementing good savings comes at a great cost, so measuring performance assists with justifying capital expenditure. ConclusionContemplating the value of the exercise Losch says: “The Energy Barometer provides us with a clear indication of how we are doing against other buildings. In some instances we tend to implement technology without knowing how we are performing. This initiative gives us a clear indication that the Group is performing well within the sector.”

NEBS participation takes two minutes to register and 10 minutes to complete the whole survey. There is no charge. This can add tremendous value to the energy efficiency drives of facility managers, building owners, and energy and utility manager’s who wish to monitor building performance every year against others in a similar industry.


www.greenacoustics.co.za

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Green Acoustics Building ProductsE [email protected] www.greenacoustics.co.zaUnit 21, Federated Centre, Patterson Road, Port Elizabeth

www.greenacoustics.co.za

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Energy efficiency specialist, Dr Tsakani Mthombeni, says South African landlords are increasingly engaging with their tenants to find mutually beneficial energy-saving solutions. “What’s happened at Upper Grayston is a particularly innovative solution that involves and empowers tenants to take responsibility for their energy consumption,” comments Dr Mthombeni. And, as Brydens Commercial Properties has shown at Upper Grayston Office Park (see p68), simple and inexpensive tools can often be the most effective when tenants are aware of how their actions contribute to the building’s energy balance.

Dr Mthombeni notes that mixed-mode air-conditioning systems are an ideal solution, especially for older office buildings where windows and doors can be opened to the outside. “If you can secure your tenants’ involvement in these systems they can be implemented very cost effectively with huge, sustainable savings in terms of power consumption,” he adds.

Encouraging tenants and their employees to be aware of their energy consumption, the developer at Graystone Office Park, Brydens, installed an automated billing system that meters sub-divisible areas so that tenants are aware of their precise consumption history of power for lights, computers and equipment and, especially for air conditioning.

With the upfront expenditure on energy-saving measures, Block E on the site has already proved that this investment makes financial sense. “There are also less predictable benefits,” says Brydens’ director, Ron Henderson. “One of the building’s tenants is the Central Energy Fund, for which responsible energy consumption is obviously an important consideration. Being a certified Green Star building has helped to market the property as would-be tenants are increasingly attracted to environmentally-friendly

By Andrew Etzinger, Eskom

HVAC energy savings made at Upper Grayston Office Park offers a useful model to all property landlords and developers.

Energy efficiency advice

Photo by Brydens

properties. Brydens has been so encouraged by the energy, water, emissions, and other savings achieved at Block E that it plans to take its achievements to the new Block F and incorporate photovoltaic panels to deliver 15% of the building’s electricity requirement.

The company anticipates seeking a 6-Star rating for Block F, an accolade that would signal the building’s world leadership.

How to use this building guide issuedThe developer of the Upper Grayston Office Park has compiled a user-friendly guide explaining to stakeholders how its building works – and how they can help to make it even greener.

An excerpt from the 30-page Block E User’s Guide:• The air-conditioning system installed at Upper

Grayston Block E consists of a variable refrigeration flow system with heat recovery.

• When in the cooling mode, indoor units are supplied with cool refrigerant. The amount of refrigerant flowing through the unit is controlled via an electronic expansion valve located inside the unit. When the refrigerant enters the coil it undergoes a phase change (evaporation) that extracts heat from the space, thereby cooling the room.

• When in heating mode, indoor units are supplied with hot gas refrigerant. Again, the amount of hot gas flowing through the unit is controlled via the same electronic expansion valve. As with liquid refrigerant, the hot gas undergoes a phase change (condensation), which releases heat energy into the space.

• The energy-recovery system provides cooling and heating simultaneously to different parts of the building. This feature has the potential to deliver maximum energy savings. Furthermore, a heat-recovery system can transfer the heat extracted from those spaces requiring cooling



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Andrew Etzinger Eskom IDM Senior General ManagerT +27 0860 037 566 (Eskom Energy Advisor)

to areas demanding heating – reducing energy requirements and operating costs.

• The air-conditioning controllers are strategically positioned for easy access by the building occupants. Each controller has a wired interface to the indoor unit serving that specific space and can adjust all user variables to provide the optimum comfort level for the space, for example:

- Unit operation On/Off - Room temperature setting - Operation mode: ventilation/cooling/heating/

auto mode - Fan speed control: slow/medium/fast/auto fan

speedIt is said that cities are built one brick at a time.

In this useful Eskom case-study it can also be argued that efficient buildings can be built one switch at a time.

According to Eskom:• Electricity tariffs will continue to rise, increasing

the need by almost every business in the country to reduce costs, including energy costs.

• It’s important to empower business owners/facilities managers to understand that reducing energy costs goes beyond technological innovations to a savings culture that every employee lives by.

• Despite the initial high-capital input, the long-term pay offs are worth it.

Companies wanting to retrofit their buildings are encouraged to contact Eskom Energy Advisors. Supported by energy-efficient technology suppliers and energy services companies, Eskom Energy Advisors assist with: - An understanding of, and access to, the

latest energy efficient technologies - Analysing businesses energy consumption,

or that of a specific processes in a business - Identifying areas of energy wastage - Assessing current and future energy needs - Identifying the most cost-effective and

energy-efficient technology


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Statement of the problem: No ocean, no lifeWith a billion hungry people around the globe, there is already too little arable land per capita and it is diminishing for the following reasons:

• deforestation is no longer possible, • disruptions caused by climate change makes it

harder to produce enough food, • the global population doubles every few years,• unhealthy lifestyles and excessive waste result in

water and air pollution, and • worst of all, the rapid depletion of ocean life.

Marine biologist Sylvia Earle’s TED Talk entitled, “My wish: Protect our oceans”, tells a chilling story.

“In the last 50 years we’ve eaten more than 90 percent of the big fish in the sea. Nearly half the coral reefs have disappeared and the depletion of oxygen in large areas of the Pacific should concern

Frans BadenhorstBy Frans Badenhorst

Good idea or bad idea – colonising the sea?

To Build welcomes the opinions of a writer who raises some serious thoughts about the future and leaves us feeling wishful.

us, not only for the creatures that are dying but it really should directly concern us. Most of the oxygen comes from the sea. Most of the planet’s organic carbon is absorbed and stored in microbes living in the sea. The ocean drives weather, temperature, the Earth’s chemistry and climate. Clouds get water from the sea and bring us rain, sleet and snow. Oceans provide homes for about 97 percent of life in our universe.

The ocean is (99 percent) open to fishing – and mining, and drilling, and dumping. Even in remote places like the Antarctic, which is protected, the surrounding ocean is being stripped of its krill, whales and fish. 97 percent of the land in the Galapagos Islands is protected, but the adjacent sea is being ravaged by fishing. The high seas, where whales, tuna and dolphins travel, is the largest, least protected ecosystem on Earth.” Source: www.ted.com/sylviaearle

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Frans BadenhorstE [email protected] www.linkedin.com/Frans Badenhorst

A proposed solution – a sea-based eco-village If properly managed and protected, the ocean has the ability to sustainably feed billions of people. Areas should be protected from overfishing and pollution. We cannot study the ocean from afar. We have the technology to do it, so why not live on, for and from the sea? Solar- and sail-powered boats, water management and green electricity, hydroponics, fish farming and advanced sewerage and waste treatment can sustain life at sea, and also provide valuable lessons for populations on land. Astronauts and aquanauts really appreciate the importance of air, food, water, temperature – all the things you need to stay alive in space you also need for living on and under the sea.

The challenge of designing boats, ships, recreation, commercial, and community facilities and utilities that can be sustained indefinitely at sea presents a great opportunity for creativity and ingenuity. The community will be an advocacy for saving the ocean and adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle – an eco-friendly rather than ego-dominant philosophy.

The ego-centric approach describes humankind as somehow better than other life forms because it possesses “intelligence”. The eco-centric approach is that man is part of nature and intelligent enough not to kill the ocean that gives life to the universe.

The size of the eco-village and travel routes will no doubt grow exponentially if each unit is self-sufficient, affordable, comfortable and safe. People will learn how things really work and be able to take care of themselves. They will also work collectively to become more efficient and manage the scarce resources productively. They will become wealthy and protect the environment.

The idea of an Open Source Sea and Sun Eco Village design is therefore proposed as a solution to many of the bad habits mankind has adopted.

The philosophy of the eco village (according to social entrepreneur, Vic Smith) is:

1) be thankful for all you receive,2) protect nature and learn from it, 3) always do your best, and 4) the focus of the particular community (in this case

saving the ocean). An eco-village is aimed at sustainability, productivity and wealth creation without damaging other people and the planet. PPP (Profit, People and Planet) is what eco-village sustainability is all about. The proposed eco-village is based on a series of mentors who, between them, have the knowledge to legally and

About Frans BadenhorstFrans Badenhorst matriculated in 1975. He qualified from the University of Stellenbosch with an MBA and went on to specialise in manpower management.

Frans loves research and programming. His research work exposed him to the townships and remote rural villages all over the country where many surveys needed to be done. This sharpened and complemented his skills. His company, M&M (Mark- en Meningopnames), had clients that included some of the brightest political analysts, academics, media, marketing and advertising executives.

In 1999 he set-up and ran a research call centre in Florida, US. He returned in 2003 to work on green projects, some of which were a little ahead of their time. His projects include commercialising Vic Smith’s air-powered engine and eco village, a web based ERP/CRM system for an online green grocer/deli, alternative energy and recycling projects and recycling in rural areas, as well as organic vegetable farming. He also helped to establish a small business incubator for the poultry industry.

He is ready to go sailing and start all over again. Frans has a wonderful dream of living on and for the ocean.

ethically grow enough food and produce the most wealth in the smallest space of time with the smallest foot print. The top mentors are concerned with the combination of activities that are required to provide for the combined needs of the community and eco system. At lower levels there are specialists who are selected to be mentors because they have proven skills at being successful (profitable) when it comes to producing certain crops or services.

Please participate and contribute generously to this Open Source initiative. Your thoughts are appreciated.

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out and about

Launched in August, the shop offers an opportunity for tourists and members of the public to interact face-to-face with WDC2014 recognised projects and their proprietors. The shop serves as a platform for showcasing local creative talent. In addition, it provides a hub where local creative minds can meet and mingle.

According to the WDC2014 project team, visitors to the pop-up venue will get the chance to learn more about WDC2014 and its projects via a flat screen TV and iPads. They can also enjoy exhibitions that will rotate on a monthly basis to ensure equal and fair representation to all local talent and WDC projects. While they’re at it, they can sample treats from the café section that will be run by an alternating group of Cape Town food creatives.

Celebrating design and innovation in the city, the World Design Capital 2014 (WDC2014) initiative opened a pop-up store space at 150 Long Steet, Cape Town. The project was officially opened by the Western Cape MEC for Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde. To Build’s editor attended the launch.

Popup design store launches

Right: Alan Winde, MEC for Economic Opportunities in the Westerc Cape cuts the ribbon to officially open the WDC2014 pop-up store, assisted by WDC2014 CEO, Alayne Reesberg.

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out and about

Above: World Design Capital 2014 key management with Minister Alan Winde at the opening of the pop-up store in Long Street, Cape Town. From left to right, Priscilla Urquhart, Minister Alan Winde, Alayne Reesberg and Nicky Swartz.

Benefits to walk-in visitorsTo serve the creative community, a closed-off stairway has been converted into a research library, stocked with local and international design books and magazines. There is also communal seating area where they can consume coffee whilst working away on their laptops with the free Wi-Fi and plenty of plug points that will be made available.

Urban farming alsoIn addition to the information giving and PR value of the pop-up space, a section of the shop was converted into an urban farm to showcase many of the agri-related WDC projects.

Photography Gareth Griffiths ImagingW www.professional photoshoots.co.za

WDC2014 ProjectsW www.dccapetown2014.com/projects/project/688

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student designs

Innovative, sculptural and totally original is how the judges describe the outstanding entries received in this year’s Cobra Design Competition, which called for kitchen mixers incorporating induction heating technology to generate instant on-demand hot water. South Africa’s student and professional designers more than rose to the occasion, with not two but three main prize winners selected for their ground-breaking mixer designs.

The judges were unanimous in their praise of the design excellence demonstrated and the standard of the entries received, particularly from the student designers who outshone their professional counterparts this year. Competition was fierce in the student category, with two remarkable designs scooping joint first place (no runner up). They were Kirsty Keet for Aqueduct and Andrew Mboyi for Attraction. Murray Sharp took top honours in the professional/other category for his sleek Lynx mixer, and Alex Böhmer was awarded second place for her multifunction Cobra Duo.

Ramielle de Jager, Cobra Product Manager, says this year’s brief differed in that it was more technical and, as opposed to being the starting point for a complete product range, the mixers needed to provide solutions to a specific challenge.

Alleviation of water wastage at outlet“At Cobra, sustainable design is our biggest priority. This year, we wanted the entries to answer a specific

2014 Cobra Design Competition winners showcase SA’s inherent design excellence.

Innovative, sculptural and totally original

problem: how to alleviate water wastage in the kitchen while waiting for hot water to reach the outlet. We challenged designers to pair this concept with design aesthetics and the innovation of using a proven induction heating system. The result, we hoped, would be hard-working kitchen mixers that not only look amazing, but do their bit for the planet too. I’m delighted to say that our winning entries offered all that and more,” de Jager explains.

The winning designs Kirsty Keet is a third year industrial design student at the University of Johannesburg. She’s a conceptual thinker with an absolute love for inspiring, uplifting and empowering design. Aqueduct, with its industrial chic aesthetic, attempts to create awareness around water consumption from its form – many small pipes that converge into one compels users to question the source of water. The incorporated rapid heating induction coil furthers this idea of conservation.

Andrew Mboyi is doing his Master’s degree in Architecture at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth. He enjoys all forms of design, from product and engineered works to architecture and interior design. Attraction merges traditional elements, such as flexible tubing with new induction technology and magnetic fibres, to deliver a sustainable mixer designed for the future.

Murray Sharp is passionate about industrial design and holds a B.Tech degree from UJ. He currently

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student designs

Cobra WatertechT 0861 21 21 21 E [email protected] W www.cobra.co.za

works at retail design company, Barrows Design & Manufacturing, in Durban. His Lynx mixer harnesses the full potential of induction heating by supplying on-demand boiling water. It also features an electronic user interface for various functions (including pre-setting water temperature and specific volumes for cooking and baking) and incorporates no-touch technology.

Alex Böhmer has a Bachelor of Architecture (UCT) and is employed at Van der Merwe Miszewski Architects in Cape Town. Her Cobra Duo mixer complements the activities and flexibility expected from modern kitchens by combining an elbow action lever mixer with two different spray functions for maximum usability.

What the judges sayThe judges are unanimous in their praise of the design excellence demonstrated and the standard of the entries received, particularly from the student designers who outshone their professional counterparts this year.

“The designs have a strong energy focus and increased use of technology, such as electronic interfaces. Creativity also ranks highly, with less minimalistic designs this year and an apparent resurgence in artistic design,” notes Ronelle Badenhorst, Cobra Business Unit Manager.

“The designs illustrate how technology is starting to impact plumbing,” says Natie van der Westhuizen, Cobra Manufacturing & Technical Director. “Aside from saving energy, we saw this impact in the types of materials utilised, with good use of magnets and magnetic materials, as well as induction heating principles.”

House and Leisure’s Deputy Editor, Leigh Robertson, feels the student entries are the most innovative and boast strong aesthetics, while Rory Macnamara Publishing Editor of Plumbing

Africa, points to a practical and valuable merging of technology and aesthetics.

“Some entries are exceptional as design objects, and all the finalists ticked the boxes in terms of where design is going. The two student winners are light years ahead in design and the innovative use of materials,” says Greg Scott, Director of Greg Wright Architects & SITE Interior Design.

Marcia Margolius, Editor of SA Décor & Design, shares this sentiment: “The creativity of the designs is incredible! All the finalists are bang on with taps that make bold statements, like sculptures in the kitchen. The winning student designs can both put South Africa on the global industrial design map.”

Repeat winnersA major surprise for judges is that two of the current winners also won in last year’s inaugural competition. Andrew Mboyi won the student award in 2013 for his dynamic Edge mixer, and Murray Sharp was placed second in the professional category for Aloe, a gorgeous floral inspired mixer that Cobra is currently prototyping and testing. “Judging is done anonymously by entry number only. We are humbled and very grateful that these talented designers took the time to enter the competition again,” de Jager confirms.

The main and second-place prize money was split between Keet and Mboyi as the joint student winners, while Sharp and Böhmer walked away with the third and fourth prizes. The R10 000 institution prize for producing the most promising design students who entered went to the Tshwane University of Technology.





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NOTES

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SA BUILDING REVIEW is a national annual resource handbook with its central focus on the identity of building products and services within the built environment in South Africa. It allows the supplier and manufacturer the opportunity to be identified and exposed in a more detailed and comprehensive manner to the building, architectural and design industry.

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advertisers’ indexA. G. IsmAIl .................................................................145

ACDC DynAmICs FrAnChIsInG ................................92

ADenDorFF ArChIteCts & InterIor DesIGners .............................................37

ADventure shells ...................................................43

AeropInk ...........................................................146, 147

All u replACements ...............................................41

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AluGro WInDoWs & Doors .................................. 119

AmA ArChIteCts ........................................................39

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ArCelor mIttAl .................................189, 190,191,192

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BellACrAFt DesIGns ...............................................49

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Blue sCope steel sA .....................................108, 109

BoomGAte systems .................................................20

CenturIon systems ................................................65

CerAmIC WholesAlers ...........................................86

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Copper tuBInG AFrICA ..........................................157

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Den BrAven seAlAnts .............................................21

DepArtment oF rurAl Development & lAnD reForm ..............................14

DIverse urethAnes ...............................................134

eAGle lIGhtInG ....................................................88, 89

eAsIGrAss sA .............................................................59

eCho prestress ....................................................137

Fenster AlumInIum ................................................121

GeBerIt sA ............................................................80, 81

Genus poWer sA .....................................................167

Geo teCh ...................................................................141

GloBAl rooFInG solutIons ................................107

Green ACoustICs ...........................................174, 175

Gsm CommAnDer polyGon teChnoloGIes ......67

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IsoBoArD ...................................................................143

JohAn louW & AssoCIAtes .....................................47

kInsellA .......................................................................57

lAFArGe InDustrIes ..............................................135

lIGhtInG InnovAtIon ................................................91

mApeI ..........................................................................125

metrAClArk ...............................................................75

mItek InDustrIes ............................................102, 103

nAshuA lImIteD .......................................................... 11

nAtIonAl home BuIlDers reGIstrAtIon CounCIl ..........................................164

nouWens CArpets ...................................................26

on tAp...................................................................77, 159

phICor ..........................................................................52

prIsm ArChIteCts ....................................................36

revel stone .............................................................129

roBertson ventIlAtIon InDustrIes ..................71

rosemA Group ........................................................130

ruBIo monoCoAt ............................................150, 151

sAInt GoBAIn Isover .............................................148

sAlvoCorp .................................................................99

sAmsunG AIr .........................................................72, 73

sephAku Cement ....................................................132

sIkA ..............................................................................105

solAr rAy .........................................................178, 179

south AFrICAn WooD preserves AssoCIAtIon .....................................................152, 153

southern rIGht BlInDs ...........................................9

style DéCor ..............................................................54

sWIsslIne DesIGn ...................................................154

teChnosurFACe .......................................................52

the ConCrete InstItute ......................................137

the south AFrICAn AssoCIAtIon For enerGy eFFIenCy ...........................................162

unIversAl plyWooD ..................................................5

uretek Geo systems sA ..................................94, 95

uroChem ...................................................................133

vAn ACht WooDen WInDoWs & Doors .............. 118

vIeGA .................................................................83, 84, 85

WAll CoverInGs ..................................................... 114

WIlIte ..........................................................................170

november 2014-February 2015issue13

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189

ArcelorMittal advertorial

When a contrast needs to be drawn between what goes into old and new buildings, there is an enduring material – common to both old and new – that doesn’t change. We possibly glance over it so often that we hardly give it a second thought. It is hardly surprising to know that steel stands the test of time. This is also true for Chromadek®. The steel that touches our everyday lives is often recognisable in the form of Chromadek®, the preferred brand in colour-coated steel roofing. Chromadek® has been defining and redefining the essence of colour-coated steel roofs since 1976.

Through the evolutionary design of Chromadek®, a very exciting development relates to the recent launch of Chromadek Ultim®, designed with regional suitability in mind. This recently-launched version of colour-coated steel captures style and practicality, embodied in the timeless element of the Chromadek® brand.

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to Chromadek®’s evolution, and the journey of getting to know more about the preferred brand in colour-coated steel roofing starts with practicality. Chromadek® draws on the design for purpose aspect. At inception, Chromadek® derives it structural strength from its steel core that is coated with a metallic zinc coating ensuring it is preserved.

Once the longevity of the steel core is secured by the metallic zinc coating, Chromadek® is aesthetically enhanced. The fourteen standard colours available in the African Heritage colour range make Chromadek® an instantly recognised colour-coated steel roof option – an excellent choice in style.

The functionality of Chromadek® further compliments its steel style heritage by translating the natural features found in Chromadek® into unique benefits.

Unique benefits make Chromadek® the preferred steel colour coated roofing solution.

Total solar reflectance improvedWhile paint fading is part of the predictable lifecycle for a paint system tending toward its natural state, the increased total solar reflectance (TSR) threshold for Chromadek® ensures that fading will not occur prematurely. This guarantee is covered by the standard Chromadek® 10-year paint warranty.

Chromadek® is enduring and stylish colour-coated steel roofing

Heat reflective pigments in a paint system improve the Total Solar Reflectance (TSR) properties of darker colours.

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advertorial ArcelorMittal

Colour and gloss retention improvedAfter four years’ exposure at St Helena Bay on the West Coast of South Africa – this prime example illustrates the enhancements made to Chromadek® and can be seen in the colour and gloss retention results for Traffic Green, a popular Chromadek® colour choice.

Colour and glass retention results after four years’ exposure of Chromadek® “Traffic Green” at St Helena Bay, West Coast, South Africa.

Enhanced paint system stability Chromadek® not only imparts aesthetic value but touches on sustainability as a roofing solution that offers building envelope durability. Here the roof coating is further defined through enhanced paint gloss and colour retention. The paint system enhancements now form an integral part of the standard Chromadek® and Chromadek Ultim® warranty available on application.

Heat reflective colours Four of the colours of the Chromadek® range – Charcoal Grey, Dark Dolphin, Buffalo Brown and Aloe Green – utilise an advanced thermal technology paint system. This advanced paint system incorporates a heat reflective pigment that provides a cooling effect of up to 8°C and improved durability. The durability of an exterior coating is measured according to its capability in maintaining gloss, colour and film integrity.

Make the Chromadek® choice Making the right choice when it comes to roofing is one of the more important decisions when planning a building. Consider for a moment what a roof really does – it adds that final touch and provides protection from the elements. When it comes to choosing roofing, what better than Chromadek® – the colour-coated steel roofing designed with enhanced paint system properties.

Chromadek Ultim® is the recently-launched colour-coated steel roofing solution for coastal applications, and suitable for roofing up to 400m from the high water mark (HWM). For roofing applications beyond the 5km range from the high water mark (HWM), the well-established Chromadek® brand provides a unique roofing solution designed in the versatile African Heritage colour range. Most notably, Chromadek® remains a preferred choice in colour-coated steel roofing, while Chromadek Ultim® is becoming a recognised option for coastal roofing applications.



191

ArcelorMittal advertorial

Unique Chromadek® identificationBe sure to keep a lookout for the unique identification marking applied to all Chromadek® and Chromadek Ultim® products manufactured by ArcelorMittal South Africa, a proudly South African company. These identification marks ensure full traceability of authentic Chromadek® products.

@ Based on environment and corrosion categories as outlined in ISO 9223 and ISO 12944 standards.# The top coat thickness which includes metal and paint systems.* Natural weathering degradation curves as provided in datasheet C 1.4NR Not recommended, but can be considered with manufacturer’s agreementHWM High Water MarkNG No GuaranteeTerms and conditions apply to warranty

Warranty (in years) for Chromadek® products according to regional applicationGuidelines on the South African regional suitability of Chromadek® and Chromadek Ultim® are provided in Data sheet: C1.4 Availability and Properties of Chromadek® – colour-coated material for roofing, and cladding pre-painted hot-dip galvanised steel sheet available at www.chromadek.com.

Regional guidelines for Chromadek® and Chromadek Ultim® The following datasheet extract provides guidelines on the regions for which Chromadek® and Chromadek Ultim® roofing is best suited.

For complete peace of mind, adherence to the regional recommendations for Chromadek® and Chromadek Ultim® is advised to ensure the longevity and maximum benefits of Chromadek®.

Remember if it doesn’t say Chromadek® it is not Chromadek®. Insist on your guarantee of quality to protect your roofing investment – one of the more important decisions you can make.

Chromadek® embodies the strength of steel and makes a subtle statement that steel is style, rendering it a naturally preferred steel colour-coated roofing choice ideally suited to South African climatic conditions supported by its South African heritage.


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Documents

To build - Issue 13