AS Janfeb 2011

Jan/Feb 2011
Featured on cover:
WE Geysers
Contents
Tel. 011 769 1387
Email:
eholder@intekom.co.za 3 From the Desk . . . Energy Efficiency
www.wegeysers.co.za 23 Multimillion Rand Polystyrene Mansion
Cover Story Weathers Cape Storms
5 Don’t Forget the Geyser
Innovative Fixing System
25 Keeping It Up
Practice Profile
6 A Thoroughly Modern Firm
Glass & Glazing
29 A Glassy Affair
Housing Insurance 33 Double or Nothing
9 Need an Overhaul
Kitchens & Bathrooms
Designer Treehouses 37 Handy in the Kitchen
11 On High
Access Control & Security
Trends in Retail 40 Security Needn’t be Unattractive
14 Get Shopping
41 News & Views
Social Programmes
19 Leaving Legacies 56 AAAMSA Matrixes
Architect & Specificator is the official journal of the following organisations:

SASEMA, SA Shower Enclosures Manufacturers
Association
AAAMSA, The Association of Architectural SAGGA, the SA Glass & Glazing Association
Aluminium Manufacturers of SA incorporates:
EPSASA, the Expanded Polystyrene Association
of Southern Africa
SABISA, the SA Building Interior Systems Association
TPMA, the Thermal Panel Manufacturers’
ASDA, the Aluminium Stockists’ & Distributors’ Association Association
AAAMSA Fenestration
SASA, the Skylight Association of Southern Africa
SAGI, South African Glass Institute
TIASA, the Thermal Insulation Association of Southern Africa SAFIERA - South African Fenestration & Insulation
Energy Rating Association
Promech Publishing AAAMSA, PO Box 7861, 1685 Halfway House,

P O Box 373, Pinegowrie, 2123 E-mail: aaamsa@iafrica.com
Tel: (011) 781-1401 Fax: (011) 781-1403 Tel: (011) 805-5002, Fax: (011) 805-5033, Website: www.aaamsa.co.za
E-mail: editorial@promech.co.za
Website: www.promech.co.za Views expressed in articles and advertisements are not necessarily the
Editor: Susan Custers view of AAAMSA members or the publisher.
Contributor: Brigitte Billings
Advertising: Di Bluck Articles or extracts thereof may be reproduced, provided prior permission
DTP: Zinobia Docrat and Sean Bacher is obtained from the publisher and full acknowledgement is given.
Printer: Typo Colour Specialists
Architect & Specificator is an alternate monthly magazine. 9100 copies are distributed to individuals and companies
involved in the building industry
Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011

From the Desk
We are standing on the threshold of numerous profound
changes which will influence the manner in which we are
going to conduct our businesses.
F
irst and foremost, in my opinion, are the
introduction of the new Companies Act and
the Consumer Protection Act. Both acts are
set to be introduced during April of this year Hans A Schefferlie, executive director
and will, without doubt, place additional admin-
istrative and other duties on all of us.
Secondly the introduction of Part X to the National
Building Regulations will, in my opinion, happen
during the course of this calendar year. Every
month that passes without the implementation Our Association will continue to encourage end
of this Part X, which invokes Energy Efficiency in users and specifiers alike to consult our Matrixes
Buildings, will cost the country between 100 to detailing the capabilities of our members to ensure
200MW in lost energy savings. As our country has proper selection of Contractors/Suppliers. Be very
to provide some 80 000MW capacity by 2030 to circumspect when selecting products which have
sustain employment and economic growth, the not been tested in terms of the relevant SANS
introduction of this legislation is an essential part Standards. Should products be offered claiming
for the success of Government’s objectives. compliance with foreign standards, insist that they
have also been tested in accordance with our local
Be very circumspect when selecting products which SANS Standards. Our building methods differ from
foreign methods and what appears to be suitable
have not been tested in terms of the relevant SANS
for foreign building applications is not necessarily
Standards acceptable for local applications.
Large company’s demise Specifiers beware!

Thirdly the demise of a large aluminium and glass Also Specifiers beware! Testing of building envelope
company during the latter part of 2010 will require systems, under appropriate SANAS accreditation,
significant adjustments in the market place. Add indicates that the conventional wisdom of adding
to this the ninety or so companies which failed to individual material properties used in the assembly
pay their membership fees and one realises that together to obtain theoretical results may deviate up
the economy is not quite what we would like it to to seventy percent from the actual test results.
be. We sincerely wish that those who have been The actual test results reflect the influence of in-
affected by the downturn will find gainful employ- terfaces, thermal bridges etc which are not always
ment again and will be part of the adjustments fully accounted for in the calculations.
occurring in the industry. We would not like to lose
We wish all our readers a Prosperous & Healthy
their skills if at all possible.
New Year.
To support all of the above, our Association will con-
Hans A Schefferlie
tinue to promote our members, as those companies
Executive Director
have proven material workmanship capabilities,
which are reflected in the various Matrixes published
in this magazine and on our website. Contact our
Secretariat for the latest information.
Defence against claims
Our Association is your Testing and Certification
Authority for building envelope systems such as
fenestration, roof and wall assemblies. We urge all
manufacturers of building envelope systems to test
their products to understand the products which
they supply. Also the ability to provide certifica-
tion of product performance will be an important
defence against claims made by Customers under
the Consumer Protection Act.

COVER STORY
Don’t forget
the Geyser!
Large-scale construction is a tricky task and while the aes-
thetics of a project may draw much of the attention, most
architects understand that it is very often the nitty gritty
details that can make or break a project.
Etienne Holder, technical director at WE Geysers
Hassle free
Walter Hupertz, managing director of the company,
concurs. “A geyser is often the last thing you think
of, but obviously without one you’re in hot water,”
he smiles. Recognising that these products are
something of a grudge purchase, the company
has made a name for itself as a manufacturer of
hassle-free equipment.
With a 13 year track record in the water heating
industry, WE Geysers has seen its share of develop-
ments in the field. The company’s range of solar
and electric geysers boasts the best guarantee in
the market, being covered for ten years against
defects.
“We manufacture a geyser with double the guar-
antee offered by other local manufacturers and we
have the history to back this up,” Walter assures
us. “Too often companies import low-cost products
which may not be ideal for local conditions, then
The tanks are market them aggressively to move stock. When
suitable for a maintenance or replacement is required, many of
range of
applications
these companies are no longer around to support
the product.
Maintenance free
“We also have totally different corrosion protec-
G
eysers are not high on the list of design tion on our range,” he continues. By using a PEX
priorities in a construction project,” (cross linked polyethylene) lining, the geysers
acknowledges Etienne Holder, technical have no need for anode protection against rust, so
director at WE Geysers during a recent no maintenance is necessary.” Having said this,
conversation with “Architect & Specificator”. “In fact, Etienne adds that it’s necessary for architects to
design structures that allow easy access to geysers.
Developments have been designed without making While the company does not handle installation,
allowance for any geysers at all! opting to refer clients to its nationwide network
of agents, the team is happy to advise on design
we’ve had assignments where entire developments and specification.
have been designed without making allowance for Etienne Holder, WE Geysers, Tel. 011 769 1387, Email.
any geysers at all!” eholder@intekom.co.za, www.wegeysers.co.za

PRACTICE PROFILE
A Thoroughly Modern
Firm
The trend towards non-standardised corporate operations has, not surprisingly, found a happy home in the
architectural industry. Rather than carrying the expense of office-bound environments, more and more firms
are opting to run with a small core of associates in satellite offices, outsourcing work when necessary.
developments such as the 256-unit Saohatse

Estate in Germiston, Nage is making inroads into
the Zimbabwean market, with the new Davech
International warehouse project set to break ground
in January 2011. “It’s one of the largest paper
warehouse facilities in southern Africa outside of
South Africa,” Ryan tells us. “It’s also one of the
largest commercial developments to have been
constructed in Zim in the last 20 years.”
“Although it’s a warehouse, we wanted it to be
beautiful, so a lot of attention was paid to good
design. We focused on a very modern look,
rather than a conventional industrial design,” he
continues. The four hectare development, with
three storey office development in the front, is
able to accommodate up to 60 staff members in
the offices alone.
Opening doors
Ryan Saunders of Nage “It’s also completely self-sustaining, which is
great from a green perspective, but also essential,
A
rchitect & Specificator” recently had a word considering its location.” The facility has its own
with Ryan Sanders of Nage Architectural water purification plant, solar power and sewerage
Consultants, a company that is comfort- systems to make allowances for the intermittent
ably applying these principles. Ryan and nature of these services in the area. There are
partner, Ratanang Nage, have set their sights on also overnight quarters for drivers. “A chemical
some impressive projects; low overheads and a compound had to be factored in too. It truly was
wide sphere of influence give them a competitive a multi-faceted development,” he adds.
edge, while an association with sister company, “The project has definitely been opening doors
Amanda Architects, headed by Amanda Ndabakhulu for us and the client’s so happy he’s asked us to
and Kenneth Masvikeni, extends their skills base design his personal home.” From the plans Ryan
even further. shows us, the term ‘personal home’ is something
of an understatement. “Actually, it’s a super man-
We often tap into a pool of temp staff including site sion,” he grins.
managers, draftspeople and designers
Super mansions
On completion, the double storey Tuscan villa will
Expanding staff
span hundreds of square metres with umpteen suites
“I’m the Sandton branch,” Ryan chuckles when
opening out onto a central pool area. “We’ve been
we meet at his Parkmore office. “The team can
given an unlimited budget,” says Ryan, adding that
incorporate any number of staff members depend-
such residential extravagance is not unheard of,
ing on the project we’re working on. We often tap
even in these gloomy economic times.
into a pool of temp staff including site managers,
draftspeople and designers. Today it’s just me.” “We’re working on a similar project for another
client who has asked for a helicopter landing pad,
From the size of the projects in the pipeline, it’s
rooftop tennis courts and outdoor dance areas.” If
clear that this is not the norm. Apart from local

PRACTICE PROFILE
Proposed office and storage/dispatch wareouse facility in Zimbabwe
Proposed new residential development in Germiston, Spruitview
The Tshakuma Conference, Heritage and Tourism facility appears both practical and elegant

PRACTICE PROFILE
all goes to plan, the client may even accept the

proposed three-storey fish tank surrounding the
elevator.
Commercial venture
Of course, the real money is in commercial de-
velopments and the Nage team has had ample
opportunity to hone its creative skills on a project
for the Department of Environmental Affairs and
Tourism. “The 5-star Tshakhuma Conference,
Heritage and Tourism Facility on the Tshakhuma
dam was a major project for us,” Ryan admits.
“We handled everything from the architecture
to interior finishes, collecting authentic local art
and beadwork to decorate the venue. To ensure
social upliftment in the area, 85% of the staff are
sourced locally.”
Another client who has asked for a

helicopter landing pad, rooftop tennis
courts and outdoor dance areas
Taking a strong influence from the Venda culture

of the area, the resort required extensive collabo-
ration with kings and chiefs in the area to ensure
authenticity of style. Designed to cater for major
events, it boasts a 5 000-seater conference venue
and 2 500-seater restaurant.
Quite so glamorous
“It was important to incorporate traditional Venda
design into the architecture,” he explains. In many
instances, this included complex meeting areas, as
well as accommodation for various dignitaries. The
Chief’s living quarters incorporates guard houses,
ministers’ houses, ablutions and cook areas.
“Like many firms, not all of our projects are quite
so glamorous,” acknowledges Ryan. “We get a lot
of basic municipal work, but often this gets us into
bigger projects like heritage museums, which are
very exciting. The important thing is to be in the
right place when the opportunities arise.”
Ryan Sanders, Nage, Tel. 011 783 1445, Fax. 086 543
2855, Mobile. 076 546 2901 (Ratanang) / 076 234 3752
(Ryan), Email. nageconsultants@yahoo.com
Features for March/April 2011

• Trends in Industrial Premises
• Software for Architects & Specifiers
• Roofing
• Glass & Glazing
• Walls & Floors
• Insulation
• Doors & Windows
• Concrete & Cement
Contact Di Bluck on Tel (011) 781-1401,

Fax (011) 781-1403 or
E-mail: archspec@promech.co.za your
advert bookings

HOUSING INSURANCE
Needs an
Overhaul The operations and ambit of the National Home Builders
Registration Council (NHBRC), which was set up 10 years ago
to protect unsophisticated consumers against unscrupulous
developers in the social housing context, urgently needs to be
reviewed and amended, says Leon Cohen MD of Rabie
Property Group, one of the country’s top, award-winning
developers.
H
e says while the NHBRC was initially refused to rectify defects were suspended from
set up to protect consumers of homes their developer’s list.
costing less than R250 000, this “Since 2003 Rabie Property Group has, like many
was soon extended to include all other developers, paid in excess of R40 million
residential developments, regardless of value, to the NHBRC for which it has received little or
while the NHBRC still capped its exposure to no benefit.
R500 000 per unit.
“It is highly unlikely that any claims against repu-
Statements not available table developers will ever have to be paid out by
Leon says they tried to get 2009 and 2010 the NHBRC as any such problems are sorted out
financial statements from the NHBRC in Cape by the developer who has a reputation to uphold
Town a while ago but were told only the 2008 and who wishes to stay in business.”
financial statements were available.
Leon says that over five years ago, the NHBRC
Appeared only to be interested in collecting money promised to reduce enrolment fees but to date
they still have not done so.
“In addition, Section 23(9) of the Housing Consum-
ers Protection Measures Act, 95 of 1998 provides
that the Council Advisory Committee must after
five years after commencement of the Act, submit
proposals to the Council for recommendation to
the Minister regarding introducing outside insurers.
This has also not been forthcoming.”
Similar institutions
He goes on to say that in its early years, the
NHBRC continually quoted the United Kingdom
and Australia as providing examples of similar
institutions. “However, those institutions are only
in respect of single and double storey buildings
– not for high rise, large sectional title projects
“We did however manage to find them on the where a full professional team is involved and
internet and these reflect that the NHBRC has where these consultants all have their own pro-
investments totalling almost R3 billion. fessional indemnity anyhow. In these instances
“There is no way the NHBRC can ever spend the NHBRC serves no purpose as many of the
all this money as they are earning interest of building contractors for these developments are
around R240 million a year on the funds they listed on the JSE.”
hold. The 2010 financial statements reflect that Leon says unlike other organisations such as
they paid out a paltry R14,1 million in that year SAPOA which provide a hugely valuable service to
to remedy defects,” Leon comments. the property industry, the NHBRC appeared only
Risks further reduced to be interested in collecting money and running
He points out the NHBRC’s risk was further an expensive overhead structure which at the end
reduced by the fact that developers with a of the day impacted negatively on property prices
bad track record are prevented from registering and the consumer.
with the Council and that those developers that “Furthermore there continues to be a total lack

HOUSING INSURANCE
of communication and meaningful interaction

by the NHBRC with regards to developers even
though promises have been made by them to
improve this.
“At the very least, the NHBRC should pay no
claim bonuses or rebates to those developers who
have contributed to the fund for years but against
whom few if any claims have had to be paid out
by the NHBRC.”
It is highly unlikely that any claims against reputable

developers will ever have to be paid out by the
NHBRC
Skill to be addressed
“Furthermore, there is a dearth of skills in the
development sector and the SETA has failed to
adequately address the shortage due to lack of
funds. It would benefit both the industry and job
creation if the NHBRC was to earmark some of
its funds to this greatly-needed area and look at
the reintroduction of apprenticeship training which Leon Cohen MD of Rabie Property Group
was so successful years ago.”
Leon concludes that a further anomaly is that in
most cases the developer is the seller but are not not contractors are the party obligated to contract
the link between the contractor and the consumer, with the NHBRC.
therefore functions as themselves responsible for Rabie Property Group, Tel: 021 550-7000, Fax: 021 550-
the construction of the building. Yet developers and 7002, Email: info@rabie.co.za, www.rabie.co.za
10 Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011

DESIGNER TREEHOUSES
Since becoming fashionable in

the 90s, the art of
treehouse building has captured
the attention of some
passionate designers and many
of their structures are so
attractive that tourists will pay a
pretty penny to spend a night in
one of them.
On High
Y
ou can’t get much greener than living in a tree Design is a collaborative affair involving the client,
and it would go against the grain to construct the architect and the tree itself, which determines
a treehouse out of materials that weren’t the shape the building will take. Structures are
environmentally friendly. Most are made built into the branches or suspended from the
primarily of wood and rope with the occasional tree using webbing and ropes, so it’s vital that
element of steel for reinforcement. Companies the specimen be as healthy as possible. There’s
such as German-based Baumraum have developed no sense in going to the expense of designing and
a reputation for creating remarkable examples, building your dream home only to have it topple
some of which are located in South Africa. down a year later. With price tags ranging from
€18000 to €140000, it’s certainly not a cheap
Design is a collaborative affair involving the client, the exercise. Those not fortunate enough to have a
architect and the tree itself great tree can take heart in the fact that a similar
Baumraum builds with domestic timber which can effect can be achieved by building on stilts within
be oiled, waxed, scumbled or varnished for longev- a forested area.
ity. Insulation materials include wood fibreboard, While some take fairly conventional, albeit organic
wool panels or coconut matting. Although natural forms, other houses, such as those designed by
materials are favoured, every element must be Freespirit Spheres are far more fanciful. These
waterproof and impact-resistant. wooden or fibreglass spheres dangle from the
The Redwoods treehouse

restaurant in New Zealand is
booked years in advance
Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 201111 11

DESIGNER TREEHOUSES
This house
is covered
in mirrors,
making
it almost
invisible
amongst the
surrounding
trees
branches and literally bob about in the breeze. trunk, it’s probably a good idea to scrap the 8-
The designer, Tom Chudleigh, claims they have seater corner unit.
therapeutic benefits, allowing occupants to achieve
This doesn’t mean that style is out of the question.
a spiritual ‘oneness’ with nature through medita-
tion and communing with the
surroundings.
Planning laws are something of a grey

area
Tree type
Your tree will also dictate the
size of the building, with most
houses being about the size of a
small caravan. Extra space can
be gained by working around two
or more trees, or incorporating
multiple interconnected levels.
Fittings can be as frugal or
decadent as budget allows with
many manufacturers offering
customised built-in furniture.
Since interior decorating will
involve lugging items up the
The Nut House in Dusseldorf. Need we say more?

Freespirit Spheres offer the chance to become ‘one’ with nature

DESIGNER TREEHOUSES
Treehouse hotels boast some very upscale fittings ers being used to process human waste, which
and many are marketed as ideal honeymoon des- certainly beats a trapdoor under the throne.
tinations. Bathrooms and kitchens are fully fitted, While childhood versions may have been accessed
while a number of living areas provide ample room with rope ladders, these upmarket models have
to breathe. spiralling staircases, ramps and bridges. For some,
Regulate it access is more of a challenge, for example in the
Planning laws are something of a grey area since case of the inhabitants of the tree village in the
they’re not recognised by many local planning Brazza River Basin in Indonesia. Here, the houses are
departments. In some cases treehouses are given built 30 metres above the ground and are reached
exemption from normal building regulations, as on dizzying ladders which entirely negate the need
they are not considered to be actual buildings. for a Stairmaster in the household gym. However,
Many fit into the category of ‘temporary structure’ this move to the trees was prompted more as a
such as a garden shed. means of evading jungle pests and predators than
to grace the pages of House & Home.
Restrictions may include issues such as height,
distance from boundary and privacy for nearby
Today’s modern pad comes complete with high-tech
properties. On the whole, there’s little to dictate
what you do in your tree, as long as you don’t features like CCTV, satellite and wi-fi
damage yourself or anyone else. Purists believe
that the primary aim is that no trees are hurt Meanwhile, environmental activists in the Styx
either. Most companies prefabricate the structure Valley in Tasmania are out on a limb to save 400
in a workshop and then install it in the tree using year old trees which are in danger of being har-
strong web belts and adjustable steel cables, rather vested. Plans are afoot to design more comfortable
than more harmful methods. Apart from keeping quarters for the activists, who currently perch on
the bunny huggers happy, this has the additional platforms and live on rehydrated rations. Not for
advantage of discouraging fungal infection due to the fainthearted, particularly when these trees
damaged bark. reach 80 metres into the sky.
Heard it on the grapevine Whatever the reason for taking to the trees, you
Unlike the rickety clubhouses many of us may have can rest assured that the views will be spectacular
built as kids, today’s modern pad comes complete and you’ll probably never get closer to nature in
high-tech features like CCTV, satellite and wi-fi. your life.
Other modcons include hydroelectric and solar Sources: www.wikipedia.org, www.baumraum.de, www.
power systems for heat and power with biodigest- elledecor.com
Staircases are
far more
accessible than
the ladders we
climbed to our
childhood
clubhouse

TRENDS IN RETAIL
Get Shopping
With new shopping centres
cropping up with somewhat
alarming frequency, it’s
crucial for developers to do
their homework before
establishing a new mall.
The exterior of the centre is highly important to attract members of the public into it
T
he much-touted Morningside Shopping Cen- On the topic of parking, it appears that this is an
tre, brainchild of Flanagan & Gerard, MDS often underrated element of mall design. “Centres
Architects and the Grapnel Property Group with parking issues are less attractive,” he says.
certainly seems to have the right recipe for “Our bays are 20% bigger than normal, and are
success. “Architect & Specificator” spoke to Pat located conveniently close to the stores. The up-
Flanagan of Flanagan and Gerard to find out more per end of the market loves to see and be seen,
about current retail trends. which is why the restaurants are at the front of
the centre, facing incoming shoppers. However, we
Two models
made a point of keeping the parking a comfortable
“When it comes to designing a mall, you’ll gener-
distance from these eating areas.”
ally be looking at one of two different models,”
he tells us. “The project will either take the form Identifying needs
of a large, dominant regional centre or a smaller, He adds that it is also important to identify the
convenience-based centre, such as Morningside needs of the inhabitants in the area. “Morningside
shopping centre.” shopping centre is an upper LSM market with a
strong ethnic mix incorporating Jewish and French
Centres with parking issues are less attractive or Continental residents. With a mean average
income of R100k per household per month, these
Large centres, which usually cover a minimum of are discerning buyers led by a need for high quality
30 000m² to 50 000m², are driven by fashion, food food stores and eating places, along with home
and comparison shopping, with shoppers visiting and gift shops.”
on a weekly basis. Smaller malls cater for a local The right mix of stores goes a long way to ensur-
market who may shop there daily. “In the case of ing customer loyalty. “In this instance, food comes
Morningside, our raison d’etre was not to compete first, followed by health care,” Pat elaborates. “It’s
with Sandton City,” explains Pat. “Rather, we focused also necessary to offer choice in these matters.”
on shoppers who’d be making short visits, which Since food is generally linked to entertainment,
is why the first hour of parking is free.” the centre provides a wide variety of social facili-

TRENDS IN RETAIL
ties too, with numerous coffee shops, restaurants, In some cases, legislation will not allow manage-
bookshops, music stores and photo bars. Health ment to accommodate all shoppers entirely, for
comes in the form of a pharmacy, Pilates, beauty instance, smoking regulations prohibit smoking in
salons, nail bars and hairdressers. any public area. “Here, we left it to the restaurants
“Our shoppers love to browse here, or meet friends to determine how they would cater for smokers,
for meals. It’s also a popular venue for business and all opted to designate areas outside the mall.
meetings; the suburb is home to many senior ex-
ecutives who enjoy fitting in a breakfast meeting The aesthetic was strongly influenced by international
as a means of missing morning traffic.” trends reflected by premium brands
Good design is a drawcard and Pat explains that
the aesthetic was strongly influenced by interna-
tional trends reflected by premium brands such
as Armani. “The look is clean, linear, simple, with
natural light for a bright environment, as well as
for its green appeal,” he says.
Community centre
Catering for a variety of different visitors is neces-
sary, for instance wheelchair access is important
for any mall. However Pat adds that researching
the needs of a specific community will also lead
to a better understanding of what shoppers in an
area are looking for. “We do a lot of interaction
with neighbourhood schools, shuls and the local
police in order to determine community values and
link into them,” he says.
“We’re also involved in many community activities,
such as the recent Harley Davidson Ride for Cancer
and the King David’s School Art competition. In
addition to the social benefits, there is the spinoff
of drawing people into the mall, which is beneficial
to our restaurants and stores.”
The interior should be stylish, clean and effectively spaced for all paces of walking shoppers

TRENDS IN RETAIL
However, I think this says as much about

social trends as it does about changes
in the law.”
Recipe for success
Ultimately, a successful shopping centre
relies on developers getting the funda-
mentals right. “Location is essential.
Morningside was already known, and had
the advantage of being easily accessible
and a convenient drop-off point. Flagship
tenants also win customer acceptance.
“Design includes making best use of the
position of the site. Attention to small
details can be a big factor; initially our
doorways allowed too much of a draft,
which disturbed shoppers. By installing Patrick Flanagan
revolving doors we negated this problem.
We left it to the restaurants to determine how they would

cater for smokers
While it’s something most are unaware of now, if we hadn’t attended to
it, it would be troublesome,” he continues.
Maintenance is a regularly neglected aspect of a successful centre. Not
only should the mall be clean and sanitary but management must maintain
a clean, crisp environment. It’s essential to invest in regular upgrades.
Often, private ownership of a centre will ensure that there is no deteriora-
tion, particularly if the owners are resident. In a high spec market, it’s
easy to lose clientele simply because they’ve decided that a venue has
become tacky.
Thankfully, with malls moving away from the old ‘concrete box’ look of
past decades, shoppers are being treated to more variety, more style and,
at the end of the day, a more satisfying overall experience.
Patrick Flanagan, Flanagan & Gerard, Tel. 087 940 3833 Fax. 087 940 3834 Email.
flanagan@fgprop.com. Website. www.fgprop.com

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compliance with SANS 10254.
No matter what the need, when the application requires

a hassle-free hot water supply, look no further for the
optimum solution that provides absolute peace-of-mind a century of reliability
SOCIAL PROGRAMMES
Leaving Legacies
On site the project has truly begun
Department of Transport and Public Works, has

stringent requirements in terms of the demograph-
For some, the new Mitchell’s Plain Hospital is a much need- ics of service providers employed.
ed health care provider in an area that has been desperate
for such a service for far too long. A percentage of contractors are to be sourced from
historically disadvantaged backgrounds as well as
women-owned enterprises, and should include
youth, women, disabled persons, rehabilitated
G
rinaker-LTA’s Mark Belman sees it as much drug addicts and ex-convicts. Due to the changing
more than this. He chats to “Architect & nature of the construction process, this percentage
Specificator” about a project that started will be monitored on a monthly basis to confirm
yielding benefits for the surrounding com- that statistics are adhered to.
munities of Mitchell’s Plain and Philippi from the Mark says that interaction with local bodies has
moment the R394-million construction contract assisted in sourcing suitable candidates. “Keeping
was awarded to Grinaker-LTA. As an important the process transparent and consultative is ensur-
ing that things are running smoothly. It’s vital to
Should include youth, women, disabled persons, understand that these choices touch the people
rehabilitated drug addicts and ex-convicts in the area in a very personal way, so there’s a
lot of emotion involved in the decision-making
cog in the tender process, Mark explained that for process.
him, the project has several other priorities, many
Local involvement
of which have an equally important impact on the
“We have a community liaison office in the area
local communities.
and work under the direction of local bodies who
Demanding demographics have compiled a list of contractors who meet our
The project, which falls under the mandate of the needs,” he says. “We’ve also been involved in

SOCIAL PROGRAMMES
A life-like representation of what the hospital will look like upon completion
community forums to ensure that we have a clear Skills development

understanding of their priorities.” In an effort to bring increased skills to the area,
A community database lists suitable service the project will include a minimum of 150 local
providers, providing details of their background, unskilled candidates, who will receive training in
capabilities and work capacity. “It also provides bricklaying, plastering and painting. Mark adds
information on whether they’re financially capable that although most workers will fit into labourers’
of handling a project of this size,” he adds. “Of positions, some will also be enrolled in leadership
course, we don’t preclude individuals who are training courses.
not listed on the database. It merely provides a
good starting point.” List of contractors who meet our needs
Community upliftment
He adds that with the scope of work handled In an additional bid to encourage skills develop-
by the company, it’s rewarding to be involved ment, some of the larger contractors have entered
in projects with a strong theme of community into joint ventures with community members.
upliftment. “Mitchell’s Plain has been desper- “This isn’t simply about giving short-term jobs,”
ate for a hospital for years. Apart from general he continues. “We’d like to see workers grow into
healthcare issues, high crime rates necessitate secure roles in the construction industry.
emergency care services. This facility will be a “These projects are a pleasure to manage,” Mark
fully operational hospital with all the necessary adds. “You know you are do-
modern conveniences,” he emphasises. Upon ing so much more than just
completion, 230 beds will be housed in a four- overseeing the construction
storey building. of a building. My part in the
Sourcing candidates from local groups comes with project is not huge as I am
the added benefit of assuring community sup- involved in the tender stage
port for the project. The fact that the project has but it’s great to be involved
grassroots approval is very important. in something so positive,” he
concludes.
Mark is aware, however, that even the best social
programmes can be misdirected if not closely Mark Belman, Grinaker-LTA, Tel
monitored. “Transparency is important and we 021 703 1040, Fax. 021, 703 4511,
have strict inspection procedures in place to negate Email mbelman@grinaker-lta.
practices such as fronting, for example.” co.za, www.grinaker-lta.com

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Multimillion Rand
Polystyrene Mansion
Weathers Cape Storms
Successful businessman, engineer, sailor and intrepid Antarctic explorer Bernhard Diebold is drawn to nov-
el ideas. So when he built his double storey home in Hout Bay 12 years ago, he decided to build the walls
with expanded polystyrene (EPS) blocks instead of bricks.
B
ernhard has a solid reputation in business
circles and his company Diel produces
high-tech upper air meteorological systems
for customers in 20 countries around the
globe. He has also designed and built his own
boat christened the ‘Diel’, in which he has sailed
I also incorporated EPS in the under floor heating
system
to Antarctica … twice … crossing the planet’s
roughest seas to reach this polar wilderness. His
choice of material for the yacht was also unusual
- aluminium.
Bernhard Diebold

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
“Being a manufacturing company, Diel was ap- million home which Bernhard shares with his eldest
proached some years ago to manufacture the daughter, stands majestically on a smallholding
moulds for polystyrene blocks,” explains Diebold. verging on a river.
“It was at that time that I thought these blocks
were a good idea and I was especially drawn to So why this decision?
their insulating properties. The convincer was Asked why he chose polystyrene as a building
when I visited the home of an acquaintance in material on his home, Bernhard says there were
mid-winter. The house had also been built using several reasons: cost effectiveness, its impressive
polystyrene and it was warm and dry despite the insulation properties and ease of use. “It’s like
cold, wet weather outside.” building with Lego, the lightweight blocks just
click into place.”
Very little heavy work required and you do not need a “There was very little heavy work required and you
professional bricklayer do not need a professional bricklayer to build the
walls. Even unskilled people can build with these
Never looked back blocks. The mixing of the mortar to fill the cavities
“So I chose a combination of a steel structure and inside the blocks was physically demanding but
expanded polystyrene blocks to build my double can also be done by unskilled workers.
storey home. I also incorporated EPS in the under
floor heating system, and I’ve never looked back. Held up well
Over the years the house has stood up well to the “The only hiccup we experienced was with the
Western Cape climate, it is energy efficient, requir- plastering. This has to be done slightly differently
ing very little heating and there are absolutely no when plastering over EPS. However, once we
cracks in the walls.” mastered the technique, it was easy.” Bernhard
The use of high-quality fire-resistant EPS ensured adds that the walls have held up well and have
that Bernhard’s home could be confidently and not moved or cracked in over a decade.”
safely capped with a beautiful thatch roof. The R7 Mike Myers, Email: carig@icon.co.za
Top Notch
Five CMA Cathay Industries Premier Award trophies were presented at a gala dinner on 6 November 2010 in Midrand. Pictured
here are representatives of all the trophy winners: Jorrie Jordaan (left), trade sales manager, Marley Roofing winner of the trophy
for Concrete Roof Tiles; Paul Phipps, general manager, Southern Pipeline Contractors (SPC) winner of the trophy for Innovative
Products; Gerhard de la Ray and Sam Malemela of SPC; Steve Delport, SPC sales manager; Barry Kok, B2 Architects winner of
the award for Concrete Masonry; Hans Barnard, Watson Concrete; JJ Coetsee, Watson Concrete; Claude Gorgulho, managing
member of C.E.L. Paving Products, winner of the trophy award for Concrete Block Paving; Tony da Silva, Cathay Industries; Anca
Szalavicz, ASA Architects; Mark Irving, Marley Roofing MD; Samantha du Plessis, a Marley Roofing sales executive; Silvio Ferraris,
CMA President and CEO of ReMaCon Products; Rene Coetzer, ReMaCon Products; and Jaques Roosendaal, MC Civils.

INNOVATIVE FIXING SYSTEM
Keeping it Up
Recent design and energy efficiency trends
have seen cladding come into its own in
the architectural sphere. Originally a stone
art, the technique has evolved to in-
clude materials such as glass, high
pressure laminates and even
photovoltaic panels.
A
rchitect & Specificator” speaks to Kerry substructure on the surface of the building.
Kuhlmann and Stefano Oroni at Fischer
“The system can be used with a wide range of ma-
Fixtures about their innovative fixing
terials,” says Kerry, adding that glass is becoming
system. “We specialise in connecting
increasingly popular, while photovoltaics are an
things,” smiles Kerry by way of introducing the
exciting new avenue. “It’s perfect for photovoltaic
firm. “We supply anything from fixings for hand
panels because the machinery doesn’t puncture
rails to systems that will hold a 20 ton load onto
the surface, which is an important consideration
a concrete beam. But top of the pops is our new
for this material.” Curtain walls have the additional
Advanced Curtain Wall Technique (ACT).”
green advantage of providing ventilated cladding by
Perfect for photovoltaic panels because the machinery leaving a clearance between tiles and structure.
doesn’t puncture the surface Precision cutting
The equipment is very precise, calculating exactly
Concrete systems
how far to drill the holes needed to create a per-
Stefano shares his enthusiasm, explaining that
fectly smooth surface and automatically aligning
the system uses basic undercutting technology
the tiles. This minimises material costs by allowing
originally developed for the concrete industry.
less material to be used. High loading capabili-
Specialised machinery drills a hole into the tile,
ties also result in thinner tiles and lower material
into which a stainless steel bolt is inserted. This is
consumption.
encased in a polyamide filler which expands into
the hole, filling into the cavity and protecting the “Tile sizes are determined by the type of material
material from both the bolt as well as ingress of used, along with climatic conditions in the area,”
dirt. This fixture is then attached to an aluminium explains Stefano. “We can work with stone tiles

Undercut
point fixing
in glass
the technique has been used to great effect with

some impressive structures, for example the new
Porsche Museum in Germany.
No one-hit-wonder, ACT has seen use in over 300
international projects and is gaining ground locally.
“Work is underway for Coca Cola in Luanda and
there is a project in progress in Pretoria with two
Kerry and Stefano more potentials pending,” Stefano enthuses.
Clear benefits
Other advantages come in the form of easy ap-
of 3m² using four anchors. The method is equally plication, since tiles are cut off-site and delivered
effective for either soft or hard stone, such as ‘ready-to-hang’, ensuring up to 30% less breakage.
sandstone or slate. For high pressure laminates Maintenance is also simplified. Other cladding
we can work with tiles of up to 6m² while glass systems, such as slide-on rail and dial and pin
techniques require the removal of multiple tiles
Tiles are cut off-site and delivered ‘ready-to-hang’, in order to replaced damaged sections. With ACT,
ensuring up to 30% less breakage tiles can be replaced individually.
“Keeping cladding in a good state of repair can
has no real limitation, it’s simply a matter of us- be a major issue,” advises Stefano. “In some in-
ing more anchors.” The ACT system is the only stances it’s necessary to remove an entire row of
one available for use with glass cladding, and tiles to remove a broken one, risking damage to

all of them. Another benefit of this method is that tiles can

be removed and replaced with different material, completely
changing the look of the building. There are examples in
Europe where buildings have seasonal cladding – the design-
ers completely change the look of the building throughout
the course of the year!”
Adaptable subframe
The adaptable nature of Fischer’s subframe allows it to be
tailored to fit in with existing substructures, creating some-
thing of a hybrid. “Its flexibility allows it to integrate easily
with other cladding systems, making it simple to upgrade,”
says Kerry. “It’s designed to handle both heavy and light
loads, which is important in Europe, where building weight
is a growing issue.”
Examples in Europe where buildings have seasonal cladding

– the designers completely change the look of the building
throughout the course of the year
As a basic Hook and Hang system, the ACT allows speed of

installation, along with accuracy. While the pair acknowledges
that the equipment comes at a premium, the cost can be
justified in projects of suitable scope. Besides, a premium
product comes with perks. “Optimal quality is pretty much
assured,” smiles Stefano. “It’s not the kind of system that
will be picked up by a low-end contractor. We also manage
Compensating for the process from training to certification of operators.”
panel thickness
tolerences Kerry interjects in conclusion, “ACT is designed to make life
easier for construction professionals. Architects are concerned
with aesthetics; they also want to touch the panel and not
feel a millimetre of difference. This sort of accuracy is some-
thing that engineers strive for too. Our precise tolerances
make this a possibility without making the job impossible
for the contractor.”
Kerry Kuhlmann, Fischer Fixing Systems, Tel. 011 624 6716, Fax.
011 624 6760, Email. kkuhlmann@upat.co.za
We create new ways to design modern facades

GLASS & GLAZING
A Glassy Affair
We’ve all been into specialised product showrooms but a lo- showroom accommodate interactive installations,
cal company has taken the concept much further than many allowing visitors to get a real feel of the difference
others have. between double-glazed and ordinary glass, or of
the effects of sound-proofing and other glazing
P
G Group’s new World of Glass showroom options.
in Bedfordview is a good example of this Privacy glass can be demonstrated at the flick of
principle, as Architect & Specificator dis- a switch, showing how the glass can change from
covered during a recent tour. clear to opaque at the same speed a light bulb
Practical demonstrations would either illuminate or darken a room. Using
The slick glazed panels and classy interiors of PG’s physical examples of materials, the importance of
laminates for both construction and automotive
The biggest selling point of this showroom is the fact glass is made immediately apparent.
that it is available for industry-related functions at Freely functional
absolutely no cost However, the biggest selling point of this showroom
is the fact that it is available for industry-related
functions at absolutely no cost. “Our main aim
is to give exposure to our ranges,” says Hulde
Jones, marketing manager at PG Glass. “What
better way to do this than by allowing our
clients to immerse themselves in the glazing
experience while conducting their own busi-
ness dealings?
“Let’s face it, architects understand what PG
has to offer. They work with these products
daily and they know the regulations and
specifications. It would be silly for us to think
we could teach them their jobs. However,
we realise that sometimes they want to
give their own clients the ability to truly get
to grips with the products they’re using.
By providing them with a venue at which
they can launch new products, conduct
workshops or run seminars, we’d like to
think we’ll meet this need.”
Interactive panels give visitors a chance to experience various glazing
options first-hand Classy facilities
Boasting a 70-seater auditorium with all
the bells and whistles, a 10-seater
boardroom and chic glass-themed
café, the World of Glass is well
equipped to handle business func-
tions, whether a fully-fledged event,
or simply to meet clients in a profes-
sional setting. Hulde adds that the
café is capable of providing basic
snacks, but companies are welcome
to arrange their own caterers and
cocktail specialists for more intricate
dining requirements.
Not only are companies invited to
make use of these facilities, but if
necessary PG will also provide the
input of a specialist glass architect
The recipe for glass: 60% Silicone sand, 19% Soda Ash, Cullet (broken recycled glass), who is available to conduct talks on
15% Dolomite, 5% Limestone, 1% Sodium Sulphate. Bake at thousands of degrees and new trends in glass-related architec-
serve chilled!

GLASS & GLAZING
Café Vue
Widney, PG’s BEE

partner, won the
window tender for
the Gautrain
We’ve provided a practical glimpse of our

history, our product ranges and our
projects in a way that is not entirely
self-serving
ture – also free of charge.
While the offer may sound too good to be true,
Hulde assures us that there’s no catch. “This is
not our core business; we sell glass. However, we
recognise that clients may want to know more, so
we’ve provided a practical glimpse of our history,
our product ranges and our projects in a way that
is not entirely self-serving.”
Ethel, PG Glass, Tel. 011 417 5800, Website. www.pg- Glass installations, such as this printed
glass.co.za glass tower, provide inspiration to visitors

AT THE TECHNOLOGICAL
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range of solar products and accessories.
• Direct and Indirect Solar Water Heaters 150lt, 200lt and 250lt
• Flat Plate Solar Collector Panels and Evacuated Tubes with
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• Complete Direct System (can be installed in areas that
experience frost and freezing)
• Complete Low Pressure Solar Water Heating System AFTER-SALES-SERVICE: 0861 KWIKOT (594568)
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• Flat Roof Stands and Pitched Roof Supports and Brackets
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• Solar Circulating Pumps and Solar Photovoltaic Panel KWIKOT KWAZULU-NATAL (031) 574 8700
• Solar Controllers, Expansion Tanks and Pipe Lagging
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• Propylene Glycol Heat Transfer Fluid for Indirect Systems
What ever the application, Kwikot Kwiksol has the
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Efficient use of natural energy a century of reliability

GLASS & CLAZING
A
vinash Akhouri, South Africa and Sub-Sa-
haran Sales Manager at Guardian Africa,
comments , “South Africa traditionally uses
Double or coated glass ( Solar and Low E ) in single

glazing. We at Guardian believe that for the best
performance (U-value and Shading Coefficient)
double glazing is essential,” he begins during a
conversation with “Architect & Specificator”.
Nothing The company, which is a local subsidiary of a

vast, US-based firm, is a world leader in the float
glass field, boasting 28 float lines, 14 sputter
coating lines, and 20 000 employees. The glass
industry plays a very vital and responsible role
with increasing energy costs and the emphasis
on going green “
The debate over the thermal efficiency of glass in South
Africa traditionally hinges on the issue of double glazing Cooling, not heating, is the single
versus laminated single glazing. Proponents of single glazing biggest energy cost
claim that the costs of double glazing outweigh the benefits
that may be achieved and as a result, they claim double Energy efficient glazing
glazing is not necessary in South Africa. Energy efficient glazing is all about controlling the
amount of solar energy that is transmitted into an
office or a home. Cooling, not heating, is the single
biggest energy cost that a commercial building
faces. High performance coatings can now be ap-
plied to the glass in order to dramatically improve
the energy efficiency of the building as well as the
comfort of the occupants.
Several key energy related terms are regularly used
to clarify the needs of a commercial building or
home. Shading Coefficient or S.C. is a measure of
the heat gain through glass from solar radiation.
It’s important to remember that a lower Shading
Coefficient number indicates better performance
and less solar heat gain.
U-Value or U-Factor is a measure of the heat gain
or loss through glass due to the difference between
indoor and outdoor air temperatures. Like Shading
Coefficient, it’s important to remember that a lower
U-Value number indicates better performance and
less heat gain or loss through the glass.
Uniquely designed
Guardian offers a wide range of products that
can achieve dramatic energy cost savings. These
coated glass products will meet or exceed local
building regulations and energy requirements.
They will satisfy different aesthetic and design
requirements and they will provide shorter lead
times for projects.
Emphasising that energy efficiency is of equal
importance for both commercial and residential
applications, Avinash broadly explains the issues to
consider. “Ideally, glass should eliminate damaging
ultraviolet light (fading energy), while transmitting
maximum Visible Light. Our range of coated glass
products offers many options for the control of solar
energy, while maintaining the aesthetic appearance
that the architect requires.”
The art of double glazing

“Magnetic sputter deposition coating technology al-

GLASS & CLAZING
lows stacks of metals to be deposited on the surface improvement can easily be seen when comparing
of the glass. Some of these coated products may the performances of single uncoated glass, single
use as many as 14-15 layers of metals which are coated glass, insulated uncoated glass, solar control
stacked on top of each other - but the combined coated insulated glass and insulated glass with a
thickness of the entire stack is less than 1/1000th Low Emissivity coating. We South Africans need
of a human hair. That’s about 130 nanometers for to understand the real benefits of double glazing
the engineers or scientists out there. and the addition of higher performing coatings.”
he intones.
Combines solar control and low-E properties which To give an example, Avinash uses the company’s
drastically reduces the cost of the double glazing unit thermal optical performance program to show
how glass performance can be improved by ap-
The revolutionary aspect of this new technology is plying various coatings and selecting the correct
that all of the products are ‘post temperable’. That double glazing system. The figures are impressive.
means that this high performance coated glass “Usually, to get a U-value between 2 and 3, and
product can now be tempered, heat strengthened, a Shading coefficient of .40 and less the architect
bent or laminated after the glass has been coated. needs two coated glasses, based on the products
This allows the glass fabricator and glazing con- available locally.
tractor to fully control the supply of the glass for “We offer a product that combines solar control and
the project. Each coated glass product is uniquely low-E properties which drastically reduces the cost
designed to control the important aspects of energy of the double glazing unit, and eliminates the need
efficient glass, namely, visible light transmission, to specify two separate products. We can achieve
visible light reflectivities, Shading Coefficient and very low U-values and a very low Shading Coef-
Effective use of high quality glass for protection and style
U-Value. This is all achieved while ensuring that ficient when using SunGuard coated glass along
a range of aesthetic options assist the architect with a double glazing system. This concept needs
with the design intent of the project. to become the standard and the norm ,” Avinash
Low emmisivity enthuses, showing how U-values can easily be
“Low-E glass refers to glass with a low-emissivity dropped to 2.2 and even as low as 1.6.
coating. It reduces heat gain or loss by reflecting Performance products
long-wave infrared energy (heat) and therefore “Normally, designers will use two performance
decreases the U-value and solar heat gain. This products and still not achieve such low figures,
dramatically improves the energy efficiency of the compelling them to incorporate additional elements
glazing. Low E glass is typically very neutral in ap- such as sun-screens and overhangs to improve
pearance and very cost effective. As a result Low-E energy efficiency. Our glass cuts sorts all of this
glass is widely used in residential and commercial out, allowing more freedom for design. SunGuard
buildings and it is expected to continue to increase products can help reduce glare, without the need
in usage in the coming years. for additional shading devices, particularly where
“Clear uncoated glass provides virtually no control large areas of glass are an integral part of the
over solar heat gain. As a result, the airconditioning building design and the architect needs to ensure
has to work at maximum capability to maintain a relaxing internal environment.
comfortable temperatures. This unnecessary cost can Teamed with Indoor Reflectivity rates that rival
be reduced by adding a coating to the glass. There clear glass, and exceptional Colour Rendering
is a reduction in energy costs and an improvement Index figures (CRI which indicates the extent to
in comfort as we change the makeup of the glass which the glass affects the colours on the other
and add energy efficient coatings. This performance side of the panel), the range is certainly appeal-

GLASS & CLAZING
The elegance of glass with incredible design, Sheraton Western Grand Cape Town
ing and has already won approval for some high in the West, or the Middle East.” Avinash assures
profile projects. us. “We need to reduce our energy consumption
“SunGuard Neutral 40 has been used very effec- before we are hit with really big hikes in tariffs.
tively in Protea Place in Sandton,” says Avinash. The right glass can result in substantial HVAC
“It has a Colour Rendering Index (CRI) of 89, savings. This occurs initially by allowing designers
providing neutral colour, as well as enhanced to implement a lower capacity system and in the
energy efficiency. A CRI above 85 is considered long term in the form of annual savings for heating
to be excellent. It’s important to know that many and cooling. These energy cost savings continue
other tinted glass products have a CRI much lower for the life of the building! Furthermore, green
than that. ” Sunguard has also been specified and building design using the right glass can earn up
used at Intercontinental OR Tambo Airport, the of- to 20 points of a possible 69 points towards a
fice of Investec Cape Town, Nedcor SA, Vodacom Green Star (Platinum) rating certificate.
Midrand and the Sheraton Western Grand Cape Using the right glass can earn up to 20 points of a
Town to name a few.
possible 69 points towards a Green Star (Platinum)
The glass is readily available from the company’s rating
regional plant in Dubai. High performance glass
is project specific and requires a special order. “We’re looking at furthering our cause through
“Specifications are determined after examining presentations at AAAMSA, SAGGA and SAGGI as-
the requirements of the architect, considering sociations, and personal meetings with architects.
issues such as U-values, aesthetics, Shading Co- Ultimately I’d like to see a Double Glazing Body in
efficient, etc. We’ll offer a number of options to place too. Education is essential to show people
suit these needs, bearing in mind that optimum what they could be achieving. There’s no sense
performance in one area may bring compromise in using a single glazing and thinking you have
in another. Fortunately, with advances in technol- a high performance product when you could be
ogy, these compromises are becoming fewer and doing so much better,” he closes.
fewer,” he smiles.
Avinash Akhouri, Guardian Africa, Tel. 011 826 6019,
Make it a double Email. aakhouri@guardian.com, Website. www.guardian.
“I think double glazing is as important here as it is com, www.sunguardglass.com

Sliding into 2011
Henderson’s automatic door

closing systems driven by Dortex
provide an elegant and cost
effective solution for your
automation requirements.
Henderson’s systems are fully

compatible with frameless glass
installations and seamlessly
integrate with standard aluminium
door profiles.
Leaf weights of up to 125kgs are

supported for single and bi-parting
doors. Available in a wide range of
colours, either powder coated or
anodised to suit any application.
Swing door closers and telescopic

door closers are also available for
use where traditional straight sliding
door automation is not an
option.
JOHANNESBURG
Tel: 011 663 6600
Fax:011 663 6700
ROBERTVILLE
Tel: 011 474 9001
Fax:011 474 8924
CAPE TOWN
Tel: 021 531 4100
Fax:021 531 8558
DURBAN
Tel: 031 207 3533
Fax:031 207 3572
PORT ELIZABETH
Tel:041 581 4530
Fax:041 581 5128
GEORGE
Tel: 044 873 4292
Fax: 044 873 4293

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
Handy in
the Kitchen
A kitchen is not just a kitchen, every design must
incorporate the specific needs of the intended user.
Kosher kitchens, Halaal kitchens, vegan-friendly and
catering kitchens all come with their own set of is-
sues. However, it’s unlikely that any pose as much
of a challenge as designing for the needs of a physi-
cally disabled chef.
A
rchitect & Specificator” recently
spoke to Barry Kaplan at Risely
Stylish and easy to use carousel shelving
Kitchens about designing for special
needs. “Ultimately, it depends on
the type of disability involved,” he tells us.
“For a vision impaired user, you’ll probably
need to provide better lighting sources, for
instance. However, if you’re designing for a
wheelchair-bound client, accessibility is the
main priority.” Since many kitchens are also
created for older clients who are anticipat-
ing diminished functioning, perhaps due to
arthritis for example, this forms the bulk of
special needs design.
You can’t expect a client in a wheelchair to

comfortably use a drop-down oven door
Easy access
“Logical design is very important. The de-
sign triangle will evolve into something of a
U-shape to allow more open space between
fridge, hob and sink for wheelchair access.
It’s also necessary to ensure an uninter-
rupted work surface between these areas to
allow the client to slide heavy items along
the countertop without having to pick them
up. For this reason, a free-standing cooker
is not a good idea.
Mechanically adjustable work surfaces allow
heights of preparation areas to be adapted
to accommodate both wheelchair chefs and
able-bodied cooks who might share the facili-
ties. Barry explains that many new products
are being designed with convenience in mind
– ideal for special needs kitchens. Shelving needs to be implemented at a logical, user-friendly height

“It’s also necessary to provide undercounter clear-

ance for the cook to get close to work areas. For
example, there should be space beneath hobs,
preparation surfaces and sinks to fit a chair. This
requires attention to matters such as plumbing
and electrical connections, which obviously need
to be kept clear.
Taps with instant boiling or chilled water are very

handy
Opening doors
Door opening is another area of concern. “You can’t
expect a client in a wheelchair to comfortably use
a drop-down oven door,” Barry tells us. A solution
is a lower oven with a hinged door which opens
180°, to allow full access. Similar thinking should
be applied to other appliances, such as washing
machines and tumble driers, which can be raised
or lowered appropriately.
“Dishwashers, which typically feature drop-down
doors, have to be positioned at the end of the work
area to avoid causing obstruction. Washers with
pull-out drawers are a more suitable option since
they’re easier to load and unload.”
Barry adds that drawers are getting a lot of atten-
tion from kitchen designers, with more products

being designed to allow ease of access and clear

visibility. “Cupboards are available with pull-down
units which drop down to put shelf contents in
easy reach, while low level cupboards are fitted
with carousel type systems which swivel out to
display items. Pull-out grocery cupboards, which
store items in a roll-out unit, are a useful way to
store food items while offering access from both
sides of the unit. “Wherever possible, doors should
not open into the work area. Meanwhile, draw-
ers should pull all the way out so that the client
isn’t compelled to reach too far into the cupboard
space,” Barry adds.
Door handles also require attention. “I find that
a D-shape handle is the easiest to open, with
many of the sleek ornamental types being a little
impractical. Push release doors can be useful as
long as they’re not in an area where the chair will
accidentally open them by bumping.”
Material issues
Materials need to be considered carefully too.
Kitchen units should be scratch-resistant and hard
wearing, with a protective layer along protruding
edges to protect the user as well as the surface.
“High gloss paint finishes wouldn’t be a good
idea,” smiles Barry. “However, natural wood is
great, since it won’t easily show damage from a
knock or a scratch.
Other considerations take the form of convenient
appliances, designed to suit able and handicapped Going places
users alike. “Taps with instant boiling or chilled The Eskom 2010 Energy Efficient Lighting Design competition
water are very handy,” says Barry. “They also reduce was again a major success with a record 567 entries and also
the need for the user to lift hot kettles or reach into a record number of professional entries. It’s a showcase for the
fridges for ice water.” Taps with levers are easier to industry that building professionals, lighting manufacturers, the
use, while sprung taps are very convenient, since public and media should not miss out on, says sponsor Radiant
they can be pulled towards the user, retracting Lighting (Radiant).
automatically when not in use.
Says Anthony Lloyd, sales and marketing director at Radiant Lighting:
Other conveniences come in the form of common “This competition, which we sponsored for the third time, serves
household items used sensibly. Waste disposal units as a vital entry point to the lighting industry for new and young
minimise refuse, and rubbish bins on wheels make designers. It is also a great platform for introducing new ideas,
garbage day less of a chore. “There are many items innovation and creativity to the industry to encourage adoption
available to make life easier, from bread slicers of energy efficient technologies like CFLs and LEDs – which are
to mixers,” says Barry. Remote control extractors becoming increasingly affordable and available.”
and even ovens which drop down at the push of
Lighting is trendy - it’s a ‘fashion’ item and a core element in any
a button all offer enhanced ease of use.
décor scheme. This competition brings fun contemporary elements
“At the end of the day, however, apart from more as well as ‘high art’ styles, making energy efficient technologies
space under counters, a kitchen designed for a more accessible to a broader range of residential customers.
client in a wheelchair will probably not look much
The healthy interest and significant response this competition
different from any other kitchen. There’s certainly
creates is indicative of a strong local design and décor culture,
no need for the space to look as if it belongs in
Anthony notes. “Eskom also hopes that it will encourage build-
a hospital. Although it may be primary to design
ing professionals - architects, interior designers and builders – to
around wheelchair use, we’ll also consider if the
incorporate energy efficient lighting options into the design phase
person is left-handed, needs to prepare a specific
rather than having to continue doing costly and time-consuming
food or prefers a classic style to modern. When it
retrofits. It makes great sense.
comes to design, I think that everyone has spe-
cial needs – and we have every right to them!” “The simple reality is that adoption of energy efficient lighting will
he smiles. continue to grow – it offers direct savings in terms of utility bills,
offers better performance and requires less maintenance.”
Barry Kaplan, Risely Kitchens, Tel. 011 807 5007, Email.
barry@risely.co.za, www.risely.co.za Radiant Lighting, Tel: 011 386 0000, www.radiant.co.za

ACCESS CONTROL & SECURITY
Security Needn’t be
Unattractive
High tensile steel mesh
Many beautiful South African

homes are disfigured by
unsightly burglar bars, high
walls and electric fences. So,
what about invisible security?
T
rellidor has recently introduced its Clear Guard lored in both single and double formats to suit
door and window security barrier range. The a variety of window and door shapes and sizes.
new range is designed to provide custom- These include hinged, sliding and French doors,
ers with an unobtrusive yet secure barrier. casement awnings, sliding or fixed windows, not to
mention coverings for emergency windows where
Sturdy yet elegant a quick-escape latch is fitted.
According to Trellidor, its patented use of an alu-
minium frame, combined The window and door frames are fully framed
with a high-tensile steel- thereby offering greater security than other bar-
mesh insert will provide its riers while the mesh screen screens out up to
customers with an invis- 60% of the sun’s UV rays and as a result allows
ible barrier that allows air for easier temperature control, thereby improving
to flow through the room, energy efficiency.
all the while providing The frame is powder coated providing excellent
that all important security corrosion prevention in humid climates.
barrier to keep unwanted
Flying colours
intruders out.
Trellidor Clear Guard doors and windows have been
The fine mesh not only subjected to a range of standardised international
keeps criminals at bay strength and attack tests and have surpassed all
but also keeps other un- requirements. Some of the tests the doors and
wanted pests such as windows were subjected to include a knife-shear
snakes, mosquitoes and test, a dynamic impact test, a UV test, a bend test
flies out. and an adhesion test.
The solution can be tai- Trellidor, www.trellidor.co.za

News & Views
Detailed and precise easily for people and goods to move through. The specially
Checkers in the new Bonaero Park shopping centre has formulated PVC material used for the strips is technologi-
become the latest retailer, to recognise the superior per- cally advanced and transparent. The Balledge reinforces
formance, quality and cost effectiveness of Apex Strip the strips while ensuring that they do not snag or scratch
Curtains and Apex SR 9000 doors. goods or people.
“The specifications submitted to us as developers for strip “Since they are designed to withstand even aggressive
curtains and insulated doors were detailed and precise,” environments, it means that they will have a long lifecycle
Elia Zotos, project manager for developers, Zotos Broth- in this retail application,” Elia concludes.
ers, explains. Wim Dessing, Apex Strip Curtains, Tel: 011 452 8723,
www.apexstrip.co.za
Diverse array
Passive and active fire protection,
security and specialised service and
maintenance are core offerings of Fire-
spec, a protective systems company
servicing South Africa nationally from
its HQ in Cape Town.
The range is comprehensive - from
the installion of new hardware - to
extensive servicing and maintenance
contracts of existing systems.
The company has enjoyed a significant
number of high profile installation
contracts. These include, recently,
Apex SR 9000 doors were chosen
by Zotos Brothers for Checkers in
Bonaero Park
“The strip curtains had to prevent

cold air being sucked out of cold
storage areas while preventing the
ingress of external hot air and pol-
lutants, such as dust and insects.
However, at the same time, the
curtains could not hamper the
free flow of traffic specifically for
deliveries to and from the cold
rooms. This also meant that they
needed to be transparent for im-
proved safety and visibility.
“We issued tenders and also
visited numerous sites to inspect
door installations to assess factors
such as maintenance, lifecycle,
temperature seal and the passage of
traffic. In evaluating the proposals
we had no hesitation in awarding
the contract to Apex.”
The patented Balledge design on
Apex Strip Curtains enhances the
effectiveness of the thermal seal Firespec was intimately involved in installing both active and passive security and fire control
while allowing the strips to part systems at the recently completed Departures Terminal at Cape Town International Airport

News & Views
a contract at the new departures terminal at Cape Town “Many South Africans are thinking twice about how they
Airport – for passive fire protection in addition to active make use of energy at home and at work. Sasol Homegas
fire and protective systems. provides them with a safe and clean energy solution that
Firespec’s flagship service & maintenance project is an significantly reduces electricity costs in the home. Waterfall
enduring service contract with the University of Cape Town Country Estate is an example of a step in the direction of a
at all three upper, middle and lower Rondebosch campuses. greener future,”says Pieter Claassen, Sasol Oil’s Manager
UCT’s campuses have evolved over many decades and its of New Business Development.
security systems are consequently a cross mix of differing Sasol Homegas provides business, industry and households
generation technologies and vintages. Over recent years, with water heating, cooking and spatial heating solutions,
the need for more sophisticated security systems has arisen using reticulated Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) from bulk
and the servicing of this diverse array is in the hands of tanks that range from 6 200 to 22 500 litres making this
the dedicated Firespec team with technicians located at project the first of its kind undertaken on this large scale
all three campuses. within the South African retail sector.
In addition to installation of passive and active systems, Sasol Limited, Jacqui O’Sullivan, Tel: 011 441 3252, Email: jacqui.
plus service and maintenance, Firespec is also able to osullivan@sasol.com, Nothemba Noruwana, Tel: 011 441 3295,
conduct Fire regulations compliance surveys, carried out Email: nothemba.noruwana@sasol.com, www.sasol.com
by skilled and highly experienced technicians.
Firespec, Leo Slootmans, Tel: 021 685 1111, Email: leo@firespec.
co.za, Web: www.firespec.co.za
Losing its grip

Wood’s Powr-Grip pioneered the use of hand-held vacuum
cups and below-the-hook vacuum lifters in glass handling.
They revolutionised the American glass industry when
they developed pump-action vacuum cups in the 1960’s,
Gas in bulk
allowing glaziers to hold sheets of glass securely without
Sasol is introducing LPgas reticulation into housing devel-
lifting them by the edges. These cups featured Powr-Grip’s
opments from bulk on site tanks as an alternative energy
patented “red-line indicator”, which warns the user of any
option to property developers.
vacuum loss, and a check valve, which allows the user to
Sasol Homegas is an ideal alternative energy source solu- restore vacuum without losing a grip on the glass.
tion for property developers interested in building ‘greener’
Today, Wood’s Powr-Grip continues to make glass handling
developments where carbon footprints are reduced and
more efficient, ergonomic and secure through innovative
electricity consumption costs are lower. As a testament to
engineering. Every Powr-Grip vacuum lifter is equipped with
this shift in thinking in energy, Century Property Develop-
many features to enhance worker safety, such as vacuum
ments is installing Sasol Homegas in the Waterfall Country
gauges with coloured zones to indicate whether vacuum is
Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg, providing reticulated gas
sufficient for lifting. Indicator lights and warning buzzers
to about 2 000 homes.
likewise signal when
a vacuum lifter is, or
is not, ready to move
the glass. And with
the addition of their
Dual Vacuum System,
Powr-Grip has reduced
the risk of falling glass,
which could otherwise
result in breakage or
other workplace ac-
cidents. From factory
floor to final installa-
tion, glass handling is
easier and less danger-
ous with hand-held
vacuum cups, below-
the-hook vacuum lifters
and other products by
The sinking of the tank at Waterfall Country Estate Wood’s Powr-Grip.

News & Views
White River’s “Earth
House”
Products supplied by Chryso SA played
an important part in adding sustain-
ability to a new “earth house” built in
White River, Mpumalanga.
The house, designed by mechanical
engineer, Michael Matthews, was con-
structed with a technology known as
“rammed earth”. This age-old concept
involves compressing a damp mixture
of earth containing sand, lime and clay
into an externally supported frame to
create a solid wall of earth.
The White River earth house features
a planted concrete roof on which
Matthews has planted some water-
wise plants allowing scope for future
natural vegetation development. Cast
as a single slab, the roof comprised
over 100 cubic metres of a special
waterproof concrete mix designed by
Lafarge. The internal walls consisted
of welded wire frames and a layer of
insulating material erected by splic-
Bohle Glass Equipment (Pty) Ltd, based in Strijdom Park ing panels together before rough plastering with a 10mm
Randburg, is the sole supplier of a wide range of Wood’s layer of concrete on each side.
Powr-Grip products in South Africa. The variety of different Before the house was constructed, a number of test walls
Wood’s products ranges from single handle windscreen were made which started to crumble as a result of oxida-
suction lifters to 6 pad vacuum lifters capable of handling tion. To prevent this, Chryso Conseal sealant was used on
loads up to 500kg. the walls. Conseal is a product which, when applied to
Bohle, Tel: (011) 792 6430, Email: info@bohle.co.za porous surfaces, will reduce crumbling, improve perme-
ability and impart a harder, denser surface by reacting
Work nearing completion on the “earth house” at White River for which Chryso SA supplied several products to augment sustain-
ability

News & Views
with the free lime and binding it to form solid calcium The FBI and Lanseria
silicate hydrates. The same security system employed by the FBI and the
To prevent the roof from leaking, it was sealed with Chryso Kennedy Space Centre in the US will be used at Lanseria
Hydroflex, a cementitious based UV stable waterproof and Corporate Estate, Gauteng’s newest upmarket industrial
protective coating, with a 4 mm crack bridging capabil- property development situated adjacent to Lanseria Inter-
ity. Chryso Cim was used as bonding agent. The product national Airport. Custom designed by security engineers
significantly increases plasticity, cohesion and adhesion of the system surpasses traditional safety methods used in
the plaster to the ceiling while acting as a waterproofing South Africa which, in most instances, are restricted to
agent. Chryso Xel GTX was used to help the plaster set surveillance and guarding.
and harden quickly. Industrial property developer, Jurgen Erhart of Efcon Capi-
Chryso SA, Kirsten Kelly, Tel: 011 395 9700, www.chryso.com tal-believes that security is among the main considerations
for many companies, both in their ongoing operations and
when initially selecting premises. This thinking has driven
Full-time CEO
Jurgen to embrace the non-conformist, top-end custom
The Concrete Society of Southern Africa (CSSA) has
engineered security system provided by Rentsec for the
announced the appointment of its first full-time Chief
90 hectare Lanseria Corporate Estate. In addition to Israeli
Executive Officer.
embassies around the world, companies using the same
John Sheath, Chartered Marketer system locally through Rentsec include the likes of Kuehne
and well known figure in the + Nagel, UTi, Nestle, Altech, Bidvest, BMW, Vodacom,
cement and concrete industries, KFC and Nampak.
relinquished his responsibilities
The cutting-edge military-grade security solution is tailor-
as National President of the
engineered to the specific requirements of the physical
Society for 2010/2011 to take up
environment to which it is being applied, as well as numer-
the position of CEO from January
ous other considerations. The system is fully digitised, with
3 this year. For the remainder of
failsafe measures, thus it avoids human error and flaws.
the presidential term, Nick van
den Berg, structural engineer and Rentsec director David Ash explains that, cameras paired
Associate with Goba (Pty) Ltd, with detectors are programmed to detect security breaches,
will be assuming the duties of this triggers a video alarm which is sent to Rentsec’s off-site
the National President. John Sheath monitoring control room where intervention specialists are
able to respond to any emergency and to take immediate
The creation of a CEO position for the Society is in line
action and conduct an appropriate response alerting armed
with the strategic plan agreed to by the CSSA National
response units and emergency services telling them what
Council early in 2010 and is aimed at strengthening the
to expect and where to go. Rentsec are also able to utilise
drive and growth of the Concrete Society, in terms of both
outdoor horn speakers to identify intruders and let them
membership and activities.
know that they have been detected and that armed guards
CSSA, John Sheath, Tel: 012 348 5305, www.concretesociety. are coming for them.
co.za
Simon Mills, Tel: 083 357 7592 or John Whall 082 459 5553

News & Views
range of products used in other applications,”
comments Silvio Ferraris, the company’s
managing member.
“As part of the certification we are obliged
to have the products tested periodically to
ensure that they continue to conform to the
standard. It requires that we test a sample of
every production run on each of the certified
products and maintain records of the tests,”
Silvio explained.
“To make this practicable we have acquired
the necessary test equipment to do the test-
ing ourselves. In addition the SABS conducts
six-monthly audits at our site to check that
we adhere to the quality management system
that also has to be applied as part of the
certification requirements.”
Silvio Ferraris, ReMaCon Products cc, Tel: 011 393
5504, Fax: 011 393 5502, E-mail silvio@remacon.
co.za, Website www.remacon.co.za
‘What’s next?’
NCS Colour has teamed up with interna-
tional colour trend forecasters Global Color
Research, creator of Mix Publications, to
compile NCS Insight – showcasing 30 of the
most important colours for 2011.
Transition is key for 2011. We’ve begun to
emerge from the slump of the economy so
the colours selected are a little more vibrant
Silvio Ferraris, Managing Member of ReMaCon Products, displays the SABS certifi-
cate gained by the company recently for the three CRB products shown (from left): and positive than in recent seasons - a sign
ReMRock 220, Terraforce L18 and ReMblok 30 that people are beginning to dig into their
First SABS
certification
Concrete retaining blocks
(CRB’s) producer ReMa-
Con Products of Kempton
Park, Gauteng, recently
gained SA Bureau of Stan-
dards (SABS) certification
on its main products – the
first producer of CRB’s in
South Africa to do so.
“It makes absolute sense
for us to obtain the SABS
certification applicable
to CRB’s as we produce
CRB’s exclusively, unlike
many other concrete block
manufacturers, who pro-
duce them along with a

News & Views
pockets again and look to the future. We look to the reali- training will be provided to ensure installations all conform
ties of our world, encouraging ourselves away from solitude to sound engineering design principles and standards.
and into the richness of life. Richard Bentley, Director, introduced the Buzon pedestal
A stronger level of optimism is reflected in the colours for to South Africa in
2011. There is strong coverage in the neutral and yellow 2005 as a lightweight deck support solution for a heritage
areas and the palette starts to become warmer, opening out restoration project that was being undertaken at the time.
in chocolate browns, rich berry red and a vibrant orange. Since then, Buzon has been utilised throughout South Africa
Green continues a steady growth in fresh vegetal shades in a wide variety of different projects, some of which can
through to aqua, while mysterious deep blue and purple be seen on the website.
cover the darker end of the spectrum. Grey scale tones
are cool and smoky, contrasting well with warmer plaster Richard Bentley, Buzon Southern Africa, Tel 011 463 7324 / 083 399
shades in the palette. 5174, Email: info@buzonsa.co.za, www.buzonsa.co.za
The website also give a complete trend forecasts for 2011,

2012 and 2013.
www.ncscolour.com
Flat floor surface

Since 1987, Buzon Pedestal International has been Europe’s
leading manufacturer of screwjack polypropylene pedestals,
now exported thoughout the world. Used in a variety of
applications, their infinite height options and slope cor-
rection ability, enables any project designer to create a flat
floor surface in almost any environment.
Since 2005, Buzonr Pedestals have been used throughout
South Africa on numerous prestigious projects.
Resulting from this success Buzon International is proud to
announce the launch of its regional office, Buzon Southern
Africa, based in Johannesburg in order to better serve all
of the current projects throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The
regional office was launched in September 2010 and will
work with local agents in all major centres in the region. A
full technical design service is offered and full installation
Designed and manufactured locally, Lighting Innovations’

Pinnacle recessed fluorescent luminaires offer over
93% energy efficiency, helping organisation achieve
higher Green Star ratings
Reflector design
A 60% energy efficiency saving is achieved by
simply switching from the traditional T8 elec-
tromagnetic lamp to a T5 circuit, which is more
optically friendly, offering greater control of the light
emitted from the lamp. The other 30%, however,
depends on the reflector design, the materials used
to manufacture the lamp and the actual luminaire
housing, which is where Lighting Innovations
delivers the competitive advantage.
With an in-house laboratory containing state-of-the-
art measuring equipment, including a goniometer,
an integrated sphere and the Photopia software
program, the company is able to ensure the

News & Views
design and production of the most innovative luminaires electricity. The design of the development with ground
that optimise efficiency for the maximum financial and level retail space and upper level offices, will be one of
environmental rewards. the first buildings built uniquely out of natural materials
Furthermore, Lighting Innovations utilises MIRO-Silver and with specific attention paid to noise reduction and off
aluminium materials from Alanod, which contribute to en- street office space.
hanced efficiency and lower energy costs. Specially suited Sheldon Bakos, Intergrale Architects, Tel: 011 268 3100, www.
to energy saving technology, MIRO-Silver combines 98% integrale.co.za
total reflectivity with excellent durability, offering UV and
long-term stability, as well as no angular dependence of
spectral reflectance for maximum colour rendering.
The superior efficiency of the Pinnacle luminaire not only
reduces energy costs, but also helps companies to achieve
a higher Green Star rating. A five-star plus luminaire, the
Pinnacle consumes only 1.5w/m2/100 lux, which is lower
than the required standard of 2w/m2/100 lux. The writing’s not on the wall
Craig Waddell, Lighting Innovations, Tel: 011 444 1168, Fax: 011 Keeping painted walls free of dirt, from pollution to fingerprints
444 0116, E-mail: craig@lightinginnovations.co.za to writing, amateur artwork and graffiti, usually involves
much elbow grease and often damaged paintwork.
Now a complete range of non-stick “wipe and go” coatings
that can get rid of the most ingrained grime, including graf-
fiti, has become commercially available under the name
Graffitex. What makes these paints different is that they
contain polytetrafluoroethylene (commercially known as
Teflon, the material that is best recognised for its use in
non-stick frying pans).
Magic in Parkhurst
Sheldon Bakos, head architect at Intergrale Architects has The Graffitex product was developed in South Africa some
an exciting new project underway. When the old garage on years ago for specialist applications and has now expanded
4th avenue Parkhurst went up for auction, he jumped at into a complete range of water-based plastic wall coatings
the opportunity to transform the sad eyesore. His vision for interior and exterior use, as well as a roof coating. A
for the new development ‘Parkhurst Square’ is aligned with Cape Town company also known as Graffitex was launched
the upmarket, trendy nature of Parkhurst enhancing the last year (2010) with the sole rights to manufacture and
look and feel of the area. 4th avenue in Parkhurst has a supply the products to market.
unique look and feel; similar in some ways to the quirky Graffitex owner Simon Beauclair says the technology is user
sister suburb of Melville, yet with a more luxurious aspect and environmentally friendly. “The non-stick qualities of
to its nature. the coating prevent it from absorbing even marks such as
The Development will offer various office and retail spaces. pen, crayon and permanent marker,” he explains.
‘The nature of the area and the quirky design of the building This makes the products ideal for hospitals, schools, day
is sure to attract marketing companies, advertising agencies care centres and other high traffic areas where quick and
and other creatives, notes Sheldon. The street level area easy cleaning is a priority.
will be home to four new independent restaurants offering
Parkhurst patrons and Jozi connoisseurs every imaginable
culinary delight.
As Parkhurst is a very sensitive neighbourhood, many
environmental and architectural design ele-
ments need to be taken into consideration
when building Parkhurst Square. The building
has some amazing design elements - not
only is it completely ‘green’,
but Sheldon has gone to
great lengths to include
elements such as using
timber wherever pos-
sible as it’s a renewable
resource, as well as
implementing a clever
cross ventilation sys-
tem that will limit the
use of air conditioners,
saving on the use of Parkhurst Square, view from 13th Street

News & Views
fund the development. “While Redefine is a major player in
the South African property loan stock industry, Giancarlo
Lanfranchi, the owner of Swish Properties, is widely re-
garded as an experienced property developer.”
The Upper Eastside development comprises three sec-
tions – West, East and South blocks – consisting of 12
000 m² of commercial office space, 2 200 m² of retail
and showroom space and a 183 bed roomed hotel and
conference centre. The 250 apartments range from 28 m²
bachelors apartments to 143 m² two bedroom penthouses
and feature top class finishes.
The 800 m² art atrium and 280 seated outdoor amphitheatre
are ideal venues for events such as musical and theatrical
performances, launches and fashion shows.
Even pen, crayon and permanent marker can be simply wiped

off Graffitex coatings with no damage and a minimum of effort
Graffitex also manufactures a range of water soluble sprays

specifically designed to remove marks like these, along
with daily dirt and grime, from the surface of the coat-
ings simply by wiping them away. Even extreme graffiti
can be removed using a heavy duty cleaning gel known
as “Wipe Out”.
The coatings are weather resistant, come in a range of
colours or as a transparent coating that can be applied to
existing painted surfaces and are comparable in price to
conventional products.
Graffitex, Simon Beauclair, Tel/Fax: 021 712 9225, 082 733 5400,
Email: simon@graffitex.co.za, www.graffitex.co.za
Lanfranchi believes that the Upper Eastside is contribut-

ing towards Cape Town’s inner-city rejuvenation, which
Unsurprising is being led by a partnership involving the municipality,
Nedbank Corporate Property Finance has funded the developers and businesses. “In an area with a traditionally
R265-million second phase of the Upper Eastside mixed vibrant and colourful past, we’re proud to help bring about
use development in Woodstock, Cape Town. The 50/50 its upliftment by encouraging the resurgence of residents
joint venture between Redefine Property Holdings Ltd and who will bring with them a new wave of creativity and a
Swish Property Group features commercial, residential and much needed financial injection. By offering residents a
retail space, as well as the area’s first luxury hotel, the completely self-contained commercial, retail and residen-
Upper Eastside Hotel and Conference Centre. tial experience, we are in line with global trends of mixed
use facilities.”
According to Richard Thomas, regional executive of Ned-
bank Corporate Property Finance Cape, the joint investors’ Richard Thomas, Nedbank Corporate Property Finance
reputations were a leading factor in the bank’s decision to Tel: 021 416 7100, Email: richardth@nedbank.co.za

News & Views
New name, new design
The new Umfolozi Resort in the
uMhlathuze Region in Empan-
geni, KwaZulu-Natal is a modern
celebration of Zulu culture and
offers the residents and visitors
to the uMhlathuze Region a new
and unique variety of entertain-
ment, hospitality and conferencing
facilities.
“The resort retains its African
identity and culture with a new,
contemporary design theme in-
corporated into all aspects of the
resort from logo to room design.”
says Mark Jakins, Peermont’s
Chief Commercial and Market-
ing Officer
The redevelopment of the resort
includes a great deal of exciting
new venues and facilities – including a hotel, convention new Salon Privé which is adjacent to the gaming floor, with
centre, restaurants and an outdoor domed events venue and exclusive parking for Privé guests. The main casino has
corporate or family action park for teambuilding and parties a total of 267 slot machines and 12 tables in play with
. Recently opened are the newly refurbished Salon Privé upgraded cashier booths and casino interiors.
with 30 slot machines and three gaming tables (Roulette, Peermont Hotels Casinos Resorts, Julie van Wyk, Tel: (011) 928
Texas Hold ’em Poker and Blackjack) and the Umfolozi 1014, Email: JVanWyk@emperorspalace.com
Casino smoking section. Guests have direct access to the
Tomorrow’s cities In China, for example, it is expected that at least 60%

The world’s leading showcase for of the population will live in cities by the year 2030. In
industrial technology is staged Europe as well, urban modernisation and maintenance will
annually in Hannover, Germany. play a crucially important role.
The next Hannover Messe will Metropolitan Solutions will be staged in Hall 8 at the
be held from 4 to 8 April 2011. show.
Hannover Messe 2011 will
It will create an international platform where enterprises
feature a new display category
can demonstrate forward-looking models in the area of
focusing on innovations for urban
energy, water, mobility and building infrastructure. The
infrastructure and cities: “Metro-
exhibition will include various reference projects featuring
politan Solutions”. “The sustained
(for example) smart power grids, large-scale charging net-
growth of cities all over the globe
works, energy-efficient building concepts, and innovative
is placing increased pressure on
methods for drinking-water production.
the urban infrastructure. Numer- Dr. Wolfram von Fritsch
ous technologies already exist Tanja Gerhardt, Tel: +49 511 89-31012, Email: tanja.gerhardt@
that can bring about significant improvements in the lives messe.de, www.hannovermesse.de/pressservice
of city-dwellers”, says Dr. Wolfram von Fritsch, Chairman
of the Board of Management at Deutsche Messe AG.
“In its role as the world’s most important platform for
industrial innovations and technologies, Hannover Messe
2011 will present relevant solutions within the framework
of a new, dedicated display category.” Highest ranking
Climate change, dwindling natural resources, population PPC has achieved the highest ranking broad-based black
growth and urbanisation are posing an increasing chal- economic empowerment (“BBBEE”) status in the cement
lenge to cities all over the world – above all, with regard industry. Having climbed from a level 3 to a level 2 con-
to the energy, water, mobility and building infrastructure. tributor, PPC customers are now able to claim 156% of
According to the United Nations Organization, six billion their spend with the company towards their own empow-
people – two thirds of the world population – will be liv- erment rating.
ing in cities by the year 2050. The so-called megacities The second improvement in the company’s rating in one
in Asia (ie, those with populations in excess of 10 million) year; this achievement confirms PPC’s ongoing commitment
will experience particularly strong growth. to meaningful transformation in South Africa.

News & Views
“I am proud to announce that our new level 2 rating is a These photovoltaic modules offer the additional benefit of
number of years ahead of our original target date,” said reducing the thermal load of the building by functioning
Paul Stuiver, CEO of PPC. “At PPC, meeting all of the ob- as a semitransparent glass roof. The Museum of Ancient
jectives laid out in the department of trade and industries Shipping can forego an air-conditioning system as the total
BEE codes of good practice is vital and we will continue energy transmission factor of the photovoltaic modules is
to strive toward reaching the highest level.” only 12 percent. At the same time, the modules also reduce
PPC already has a level 1 rating in the specific areas of UV irradiation and thus protect the exhibits.
equity ownership, enterprise development and socio-eco- In the past, the old glass roof exposed the exhibition area
nomic development. to too much daylight and heat. The very low light trans-
PPC Cement, Nomzamo Basson, Tel: 011 386 9000, Fax: 011 386 mission of the semitransparent modules of only about 10
9001, nomzamo.basson@ppc.co.za percent produces subdued light with diffuse shadows in the
interior of the museum. In future, this will enable exhibi-
tion designers to draw attention to the exhibited items by
using individual illumination.
Schott AG, Christine Fuhr, Tel: +49 (0)6131/66-4550, Fax: +49
(0)6131/66-4041, Email: christine.fuhr@schott.com, www.schott.
com
Individual illumination
During the spring of 2011, the Museum of Ancient Shipping
of the Roman-Germanic Central Museum (RGZM) in Mainz
will reopen following completion of extensive renovation
and reconstruction work.
Photovoltaic modules manufactured by the Schott technol-
ogy group will then Fewer injuries
function as the roof of the former market hall that houses The Gordon Verhoef and Krause group of companies
the museum. “Equipping the museum roof with modern comprising Gordon Verhoef & Krause and GVK-Siya Zama,
solar technology is the first step in our offensive to make specialists in the construction, renovation, restoration and
the RGZM a `green museum,” explains Professor Dr. Falko recycling of buildings, has recently been awarded Occu-
Daim, general director of the Roman-Germanic Central pational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS)
Museum. 18001:2007 certification. This certification means that
companies in the group comply with the international oc-
cupational health and safety management standard.
Photovoltaic modules manufactured by Schott are now serv-

ing as the roof of the Museum of Ancient Shipping of the Ro-
man-Germanic Central Museum in Mainz. Following extensive
renovation and reconstruction work, the museum will reopen Group CEO Richard Williams and health and safety manager
its doors this year Pedro Goncalves with the group’s OHSAS 180012007 certificate
of registration
Electricity generation, heat insulation and less incidence of
daylight were the key reasons for utilising Schott “Asi Thru” The group is one of only a few construction companies in
photovoltaic modules for the energy-saving roof renova- South Africa to be registered as an OHSAS 18001 compli-
tion project. These modules consist of a glass plate that ant company.
has been thinly coated with amorphous silicium. Sunlight Group Health and Safety manager Pedro Gonçalves says,
releases electrons within this semiconductor layer. A sec- “We are thrilled about this certification as this promotes
ond component, laminated glass, is used to stabilise the our aim of being the contractor of choice for our clients.
module. In future, the electricity produced will be fed into Not only is it hugely important to our workforce, it also
the electricity grid using inverter modules. gives our clients peace of mind to know that in addition

News & Views
to complying with the laws of the land, we work to the “Since 2004, AfriSam has invested in excess of R1-billion
highest international standards of Occupational Health and in upgrading its operations with initiatives such as mini-
Safety practices.” The group’s Lost Time Injury Frequency mising the use of non-renewable resources such as coal;
Rate (LTFR) currently stands at 1.09, compared with the reducing dust emissions; improving energy efficiencies; and
national industry standard of 4%. introducing technology that has increased the company’s
Gordon Verhoef & Krause, Tel: 011 608 0313, www.gvk.co.za ability to produce composite cements,” Mike McDonald,
AfriSam cement product manager, says.
AfriSam has also successfully halved its readymix product
carbon footprint by substituting clinker with alternative
material such as slag and fly ash.
As well as reducing the carbon footprint, AfriSam has
retained the high performance characteristics for which
Half the world average it is renowned in its new Eco Readymix range. It is also
AfriSam has cemented its position as Southern Africa’s able to produce ultra-high performance Eco concretes with
most eco-friendly construction materials group with the compressive strengths of 70 MPa.
launch of a range of environmentally responsible readymix
Victor Bouguenon, Afrisam, Tel: 011 670 5520, www.afrisam.com
concrete products to the greater Gauteng market.
These Eco Readymix products are application-branded,
fit-for-purpose readymix concrete, which are specific to
the needs of various construction requirements, including
foundations, surface beds, suspended slabs, columns and
retaining walls.
A significant feature of AfriSam’s Eco Readymix is that the
product’s carbon footprint is roughly half the world aver- Holistic solution
age. The reduction in the carbon dioxide emitted during While it is long recognised that insulation materials in
the manufacturing of AfriSam’s Eco Readymix has been the roof offer significant benefits in reducing the need for
achieved through a significant capital investment into more electrical energy for heating and cooling of homes, the
environmentally-friendly production processes. other area of opportunity is the walling envelope where
thermal mass, naturally inherent in clay brick masonry,
has been scientifically proven to be a “must have” thermal
performance property for “optimising” thermal comfort
and for achieving lowest energy usage for heating and
cooling when compared to high R-value lightweight wall-
ing systems (ie, walling systems with inadequate levels
of thermal mass).
Double skin clay brick walling with a face brick external
skin underscores what might be considered the “perfect
solution” for advancing sustainable housing here in South
Index to Advertisers
Aaamsa 2
Bohle 38
Epsasa Inside Back Cover
Firespec Systems 20
Kwikot 18, 22, 32
McCoy’s Glass 17
PG Bison Outside Back Cover
PG/Inso Aluminium 8
Pronto 28
Rimex 10
SA Sliding Door/Henderson 36
SafeQuip 16
Sonae Novobord Inside Front Cover
Trellidor/Trellicor 4, 30
All AfriSam products are put through rigorous tests in the WE Geysers Outside Front Cover
company’s Research and Development laboratories

News & Views
Paradise setting
Tile Africa Contracts recently supplied tiles to Eden on the
Bay, an upmarket residential development on Blouberg’s
Big Bay beach front near Cape Town as well as Cappello
restaurant, which forms part of this mixed-use development.
Residential apartments, a shopping centre and restaurants
make up this striking development where the architectural
design imitates indigenous West Coast style with a subtle
Mediterranean influence.
Developed by Asrin Property Developers and Mvelaprop,
Eden on the Bay is a lively complex featuring luxury apart-
ments with amazing views of Table Mountain and a number
of top-class restaurants offering fantastic sea vistas. The
apartments blend contemporary living with small-town
comfort, charm and natural splendour.
Africa. That clay bricks are widely available throughout

South Africa, and that clay brick construction adds to
employment and skills development further compounds
the weighting towards clay brick as a truly holistic solution
for greater sustainability.
Corobrik (Pty) Ltd, Peter Kidger, Tel: 031 560 3233
Talking sustainability
Highly respected and world-renowned Australian architect,
Peter Stutchbury, is to present a series of seminars around
South Africa from 14 – 17 March 2011. The presentations
will be aimed at professionals of the built environment
and students.
Peter Stutchbury is the much published, award-winning
principal architect of leading architectural firm, Peter At the Cappello restaurant, featured are the Oasis
Stutchbury Associates. He was winner of the 2008 Inter- Nova glazed porcelain tiles
national Iron and Steel Institute ‘Living Steel’ Competition
for extreme climate housing in Cherepovets, Russia and
held the 2008 Catedra Luis Barragán in Mexico, a Chair Tile Africa Contracts supplied full-bodied 300x300mm
previously held by Glenn Murcutt black porcelain tiles with a slate look, called Famous Black.
Peter is a founding director of the Architecture Foundation The tile was used for the balconies of the apartments and
Australia and a founding member of the Australian Archi- the walkway areas of the apartment section of the devel-
tecture Association. He has been practicing independently opment, totalling 5000m². For Cappello restaurant, Tile
since 1982 and Peter Stutchbury Associates has become Africa Contracts supplied 100 square metres of large-format
a bespoke firm of architects with an innovative approach 600x600mm Oasis Nova glazed porcelain tiles featuring
to design and sustainability. a light natural colour with earthy tones that was used
throughout the restaurant.
“When considering the environmental impact of building
materials, we need to take into account the function that With a national network of representation through the
is being fulfilled, the value that is being created, and the 37 Tile Africa retail branches and the backing of sister
needs and aesthetics of particular applications”, says companies Johnson Tiles and TAL Adhesives, Tile Africa
BlueScope Steel’s regional GM, Wayne Miller. Contracts is able to supply specialist products for com-
mercial and industrial applications.
Andrew Slot, Yolande Mellet, BlueScope Steel, Tel: 021 442, www.
bluescopesteel.co.za Tile Africa Contracts, Tel: 011 970 2124, www.tileafrica.co.za

News & Views
Separate climates
Assa Abloy Entrance Systems South Africa is the
local supplier of the Besam range of door entrance
systems. According to Andre Aiton Managing Di-
rector Entrance Systems SA, this is undoubtedly
the best entrance solution for the efficient flow
of people and luggage through the main entrance
of the Radisson Hotel in Mozambique. “The
large convenient compartment areas of the RD3
Besam revolving door easily accommodates the
large numbers of people and luggage entering and
leaving the premises and is an ideal solution for
entrances with continuous, high-volume pedestrian
traffic -– a prime requirement for a hotel of this
magnitude and these high standards”.
In addition to delivering smooth movement of
people and luggage, the Besam 3 Wing RD3 re-
volving door offers some important added safety
features and cost savings. Andre explains, “If, for Besam 3 Wing RD3 revolving door for Radisson Hotel in Mozambique
example, an obstacle should prohibit the rotation
of the door, rotation will automatically cease - one of the creating fire suppression systems for micro-environments.
key safety factors in a revolving door of these dimensions. Their concept was simply to provide supplementary pro-
In the event of a faulty system, our professional technical tection that puts out the fire quickly within the protected
teams are on standby to assist with rapid service support space before larger rooms or building systems need to be
to prevent the embarrassment that malfunctioning doors activated.
could cause our customers.
Rovic International’s subsidiary, SafeQuip, SA’s leading fire
“Add to this our cutting edge detection technology equip- equipment supplier, sells Fire De Tec. It is a simple design
ment which ensures that doors operate efficiently to contain that can be installed by qualified service technicians in
and reduce airconditioning and electricity costs, and we a short space of time and can be matched with any fire
have an end-to-end solution that combines the climate- suppression agent such as foam, dry chemical, carbon
control advantages of a revolving door with security and dioxide or argon gas. This ensures that there is no damage
convenience. to valuable computer equipment by powder residue.
Assa Abloy Entrance Systems South Africa (A subsidiary of ASSA Fire De Tec system, SafeQuip, Tel: 086 000 (FIRE)
Abloy), Tel: 011 761 5000, Fax: 086 665 0493, Andre Aiton (S.A.I.M.), www.safequip.co.za
Email: andre.aiton@assaabloy.com, www.assaabloy.co.za
Step in time …
When the server room at the national passport pro-
cessing database at KG6 Barracks in Harare was
damaged by an electrical fire on New Year’s Eve, this
could have been prevented. If Fire De Tec had been
used, many lost work days would have been saved
and the Registrar General’s office in Zimbabwe could
have resumed the issue of new passports a lot earlier
than it did ten days later.
Fire De Tec is both a detection and suppression
system in one. Plastic tubing delivers fire retardant
directly to the heat source and protects server rooms
from fire caused by electrical faults or equipment
that overheats.
A group of veteran fire equipment design engineers in
the USA developed a system that is fool-proof, cost
effective and stops fires almost as soon as they start.
These experienced people recognised the value in Fire de Tec fitted to an electrical encloshure

News & Views
All is well
Pan Mixers South Africa’s (PMSA)
Fiori self-loading concrete mixer has
come under fire in recent media re-
ports, which claim that the on-board
electronic weighing system is prone
to technical problems, owing to the
fact that the sensitive equipment is
not built to withstand the harsh South
African climate and terrain.
Responding to these claims PMSA
director Walter Ebeling points out
that PMSA has sold several Fiori
self-loading mixers over the past
few months, and the company has
not had any complaints about the
weighing system.
He notes one example of two Fiori
mixers, which have stood up to
the elements in the Thohoyandou
region of the Limpopo province,
where they are being used as part
of a rural infrastructure development
programme.
What’s more, Walter explains that
Fiori’s advanced weighing system
has pressure sensors in the hydraulics system for weigh- setting new standards and making new inroads, such as
ing, which makes it more robust and accurate. “Fiori is the new McCoy’s Glass website, which allows suppliers to
the top-of-the-range mixer on the market, and enables order glass online. This is an industry first. McCoy’s has
users to produce the highest-quality concrete. Although many industry “firsts” on their list, from bringing you “Glass
the weighing system is an optional extra, it is highly-recom- News Online” (an industry newsletter written by McCoy’s),
mended in order to ensure that a top-quality end-product to publishing “The Glass Guide”, which is considered the
is produced every time.” handbook of the South African glass industry.
“The Fiori self-loading mixer is the ideal way of bringing
quality control to green field and rural sites. Advanced
technology developed by Fiori enables the mixer not only to
weigh the raw materials, but also to calculate whether the
material is mixed, and the slump value required – making it
the only self-loading mixer in the world capable of producing
world-class, CE quality concrete,” says Ebeling.
PMSA, Michael Dorner, Tel: 086 100 7672, Email: michael@
panmixers.co.za, Web: www.pmsa.com
6.38mm McLam Clear PVB, Mutual and Federal, HB Interiors
By investing in world class glass software, glass cutting,

processing and manufacturing technology, McCoy’s Glass is
New inroads at the forefront. They supply stock sheets and cut to size in
McCoy’s Glass is the biggest independent glass company the shortest of lead times and possess the latest laminated
in South Africa. The company has gone from strength to glass manufacturing equipment. From processed glass to
strength in the last 14 years, successfully servicing South bullet resistant glass toughened laminates to double-glazed
Africa from six warehouses situated around the country. units – McCoy’s supplies widely from its recently opened
Their success can be directly attributed to the fact that branches in Bloemfontein, Nelspruit & Cape Town, which
they are constantly looking for new ways to become the complement the existing branches in Johannesburg, Durban
best that the glass Industry has to offer, with unparalleled and Port Elizabeth
service, delivery and world class products.
Martin Volker, McCoys Glass, Tel: 0860 55 22 22, www.mccoys-
As leaders in glass, McCoy’s is known as an innovator glass.co.za


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Jan/Feb 2011

Architect & Specificator is the official journal of the following organisations:

Promech Publishing AAAMSA, PO Box 7861, 1685 Halfway House,

Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011 

Large company’s demise Specifiers beware!

Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011 

Etienne Holder, technical director at WE Geysers

Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011 

developments such as the 256-unit Saohatse

 Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011

Proposed office and storage/dispatch wareouse facility in Zimbabwe

Proposed new residential development in Germiston, Spruitview

Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011 

all goes to plan, the client may even accept the

Another client who has asked for a

Taking a strong influence from the Venda culture

Features for March/April 2011

Contact Di Bluck on Tel (011) 781-1401,

 Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011

Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011 

of communication and meaningful interaction

It is highly unlikely that any claims against reputable

10 Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011

Since becoming fashionable in

The Redwoods treehouse

Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 201111 11

Planning laws are something of a grey

The Nut House in Dusseldorf. Need we say more?

12 Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011

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14 Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011

Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011 15

However, I think this says as much about

We left it to the restaurants to determine how they would

16 Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011

No matter what the need, when the application requires

On site the project has truly begun

Department of Transport and Public Works, has

Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011 19

community forums to ensure that we have a clear Skills development

Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011 21

100% resistant to germs and other inconveniences... a century of reliability

22 Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011

Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011 23

24 Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011

Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011 25

the technique has been used to great effect with

26 Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011

all of them. Another benefit of this method is that tiles can

Examples in Europe where buildings have seasonal cladding

As a basic Hook and Hang system, the ACT allows speed of

We create new ways to design modern facades

Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011 27

Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011 29

Widney, PG’s BEE

We’ve provided a practical glimpse of our

Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011 31

Efficient use of natural energy a century of reliability

Double or coated glass ( Solar and Low E ) in single

Nothing The company, which is a local subsidiary of a

The art of double glazing

Architect & Specificator Jan/Feb 2011 33

Effective use of high quality glass for protection and style

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