OCT NOV 2014

PROJECTS MAGAZINEOctober/November 2014““TThhee ffiirrsstt ppoolliiccee ssttaattiioonn iinn 1177yyeeaarrss ccoommpplleetteedd oonn ttiimmee..”” The City of Cape Town Human Settlement Contact Office in Mannenberg has recently been awarded a 4-Star Green Star SA rating; the first fully constructed local municipal building in South Africa to achieve a rating Good Hope ConstructionConstruction, Project Management and Building Cost ConsultingAt Good Hope Construction (GHC), we are an experienced company coupled with years of experience andconstruction management skills. With over 30 years experience in this industry, we are confident that wecan deliver a superior service and product base on the company’s solid history and satisfied clients. 105 Joubert Street Parow 7500, Cape Town, South Africa. Tel: 021-932-8789 : Fax: 086-565-9030 : Email: [email protected]





Association“ Is your builder ..... a Master Builder?\" Find a Builder Master Builders South Africa is cumbersome and did not clearly identify it as a Subcontractor the leading national Federation for builders. Much to the chagrin of some of the longest-serving members of the Agreement for Renovation and Refurbishment representative body in the Federation, the 1967 Congress agreed - after a Work to Existing Premises, February 2006 building and construction full year of deliberation - to change the name of Edition industry in South Africa. It is a the National Federation of Building Trades Recommended for use where an existing voluntary membership based Employers to the Building Industries Federation building is to be repaired, renovated or organisation whose primary role (SouthAfrica) and BIFSAwas born. refurbished is to promote the viewpoints and interests of the industry, to Master Builders SouthAfrica Education & Training promote the highest quality and When BIFSA celebrated its centenary at a gala The role of the Education & Training Committee standards through excellence in dinner held at the International Convention is to provide the Board with information aboutservice to our members, engaging Centre in Durban on 23 March 2004, 100 years the changing world of education and artisangovernment and legislative bodies to the day that the NFBTE was formed, it was a training in South Africa. The Committeeon national policies that affect the radically changed organisation not just in name achieves this by its close cooperation and liaison industry, for the purpose of but in structure as well. Master Builders South with all the relevant departments and creating a sustainable building Africa was the new name for the organisation, institutions, and includes the following:artisan industry in South Africa. chosen because it clearly reflected the fact that it training in South Africa. The Committee was a national representative body for all Master achieves this by its close cooperation and liaisonMaster Builders South Africa is a Federation of BuildersAssociations around the country. with all the relevant departments andregistered employers' organisations which institutions, and includes the following:represent contractors and employers operating Master Builders South Africa has developed ain the building and construction sectors. The number of useful model agreements for a variety Ÿ The National Department of HigherFederation is regulated in terms of Section 107 of applications. The use of Master Builders Education and Trainingof the Labour RelationsAct,Act 66 of 1995. South Africa contract documents is not restricted to members of Master Builders Ÿ Construction Education and TrainingMaster Builders South Africa represents its Associations and the documents are available to Authoritymembers on national bodies and lobbies members of the public.national government on legislative and other Ÿ Quality Council for Trades and Occupationspolicy issues. It also provides a range of services To determine whether a contractor is a member Ÿ NationalArtisan Moderation Boardto its members which encompass training needs, of an Association affiliated to Master Builderslegal services, labour relations, building codes South Africa, please contact the local Master A delegation of Sudanese Contractorsand standards, and economics which affect the Builders Association. Association visit Master Builders Southbuilding industry. Africa Users of contract documents are advised that, A delegation from the Sudanese ContractorsIs your builder ..... a Master Builder? If you want although amendments and alterations are Association recently held discussions withto find a builder, whether commercial or sometimes made to model agreements, such Master Builders South Africa (MBSA) and thedomestic, large or small, click on the logo and amendments are not recommended. If Gauteng Master Builders Association (GMBA).look for the office in your province or region to amendments or alterations have to be made they At the meeting at the (GMBA) offices infind information on the MBAs' members. should be listed under the relevant clauses in the Midrand, the Sudanese contractors were briefed agreement and should be carefully assessed by on the South African environment withNational Federation for Building Trade all parties, specifically the effect of the particular emphasis on the education,Employers amendments or alterations on the rest of the occupational health and safety, and contractualMaster Builders South Africa was founded as agreement. and legal matters. \"The visiting delegationthe National Federation for Building Trade appreciated the opportunity to learn more aboutEmployers (NFBTE) in 1904. Over the past 108 The following Standard Forms of Contract for the South African building industry as well asyears, MBSA has survived and flourished and use on different types of building projects are the interaction with MBSA members andstill plays a meaningful role in today’s fast-track available from any of the Master Builders industry bodies at a networking function hostedworld. The Federation’s initial aims were to Associations. by the GMBA after the formal discussions\"unite the contractors of the day to gain better James Tubb, executive director of the GMBA,bargaining power with government authorities House Building & Small Contracts stated. The Sudanese Contractors Associationand to negotiate with trade unions. Agreement, March 2005 Edition visit to South Africa was arranged by Eunice Suitable for use with or without anAgent Forbes, past president of the MBSA, who servesBIFSAborn out of the NFBTE as the MBSA representative on the AfricanThe NFBTE itself faced change and there was a Domestic Subcontract Agreement, January Federation for Construction Contractorsgrowing sense among members of the national 2008 Edition. Associations. The Sudanese association alsoorganisation that its name was no longer Intended for use with the JBCC Series 2000 made contact with the Construction Industryrepresentative of the building industry it now Principal BuildingAgreement, Edition 5 Development Board in South Africa. The Southrepresented. Moreover, the name was Sudanese construction industry, with about 2 Labour Only Subcontract, February 2006 000 registered members in 2009, provided 5,6% 2 Edition of Sudan`s gross domestic product with more Intended for use in cases where the Contractor than half of the development budget in Sudanese supplies all materials to the Labour Only states assigned to the construction sector every year. PM November December 2014

Publisher EditorialPROJECT PUBLISHERSTel: +27 11 346 5053 Marley – Years ahead in roofing!Fax: +27 86 601 9195 Four decades of leadership through innovation andEmail: customer service…[email protected]: With four modern manufacturing plants, dynamic management, and leading concrete roof tile profileswww.projectpublishers.co.za and roof tile ranges in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, Marley Roofing has established a unique reputation for quality and service which extends well beyond the borders of62, 2nd Avenue, Houghton. South Africa.P.O. Box 92744, Norwood,2117 Marley Roofing has earned its place in the roofing market as a leading supplier of high quality,South Africa affordable roofing that is in line with worldwide energy-saving products, backed by quality management systems and excellent service delivery. Our concrete tile ranges are defined by theirContributions ability to stand the test of time through extreme durability, low maintenance requirements andThe editors welcome news recyclable composition which give them a significant sustainable advantage over other roofitems, press releases, articles structures.and photographs relating to theConstruction Industry. These Marley Roofing is the only concrete roof tile manufacturer in South Africa to have been awarded thewill be considered and, if coveted CMA National Trophy in the biennial Awards for Excellence competition seven consecutiveaccepted, published. No times.responsibility will be acceptedshould contributions be Marley SA (Pty) Ltd, trading as Marley Roofing, forms part of the Etex group which operates in thelost, damaged or incorrectly building materials sector in 44 countries worldwide, employing more than 16 000 people. Theprinted. company continuously improves its products as it benefits from ongoing research and development (R&D), and resources within the Etex group.Disclaimerwe publishes projects In addition, Marley adheres to the strict Etex Environmental, Occupational Health and Safety targetsMagazine and several special and reporting standards. We also benchmark our performance against other Etex group companies,Stand Alone Publications in and strive for continual improvement and world-class standards.different sector industries,mainly in South Africa. Weaim at high standards ofquality of the services we offeradvertisers as well as readers.The Publisher does not acceptany responsibility for theaccuracy or authenticity of thecontributions contained in theMagazine and advertisements.Views expressed by thecontributors are not necessarilythose of the Publishers© All rights reservedPM November December 2014 3 3

AssociationGreen Building Council of South Africa Archaeologists (ASAPA) development to enhance the quality of life(GBCSA) The Association for Southern African for all.The GBCSA is an independent, non- Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA) is aprofit, membership-based organisation non-profit, non-governmental Regional conferences are organized tothat was formed in 2007 by leaders from organisation that exists for the purpose of make information exchange andall sectors of the commercial property establishing, maintaining and promoting networking opportunities available toindustry. We are a full member of the archaeology in southern Africa. those who might not be able to attend theWorld Green Building Council and the Archaeology is now recognised as an international conferences, as well as toofficial certification body of buildings important component of our heritage, but focus attention to specific issues. Trainingunder the Green Star SA Rating System. that heritage is increasingly threatened by programs are held regularly inWe aim to ensure that all buildings are urban development. Professional conjunction with IAIA internationalbuilt and operated in an environmentally archaeologists have a crucial role to play conferences. These range from one day tosustainable way so that all South African's in studying, preserving and promoting our one week in duration and deal with awork and live in healthy, effective and archaeological heritage. variety of impact assessment issues. Theproductive environments. quarterly journal, Impact Assessment and The origins of ASAPA lie with the Project Appraisal (IAPA), contains aEastern Cape Institute of Architects Southern African Association of variety of peer-reviewed research articles,(ECIA) Archaeologists (Sa3), which was professional practice ideas, and bookThe Eastern Cape Institute of Architects, established in 1970 to encourage the reviews of recently published titles. IAPAformerly known as the Port Elizabeth training of archaeologists and to promote provides a one-source link to the latestSociety of Architects, was founded in archaeological heritage in southern ideas in the wide-ranging field of impact1900 with affiliation to, and with a Africa. In response to the changing status assessment.constitution based on that of the Royal of archaeology and the increasingInstitute of British Architects. In 1927 professionalisation of its practitioners, the South Africa is the sixth country in theThe Port Elizabeth Society of Architects membership of SA3 decided to become a world (after USA, Australia, Brazil, andbecame the Port Elizabeth Local formal professional body in 2004. Canada) to form a local IAIA affiliate.Committee of the Cape Provincial South Africans attending the annualInstitute of Architects and in 1990 the As a professional body, ASAPA is congress of IAIA in Washington DC inConstitution of the Institute of South committed to the development of August 1992 formed a steering committeeAfrican Architects was amended and the archaeological research, management to launch the IAIAsa later that year. Theinstitute, as currently constituted, came (including conservation, curation, IAIA affiliate was formally recognised byinto being. archaeotourism and restoration), outreach the parent body at its mid-year meeting in and the exchange of archaeological Mexico in February 1993. The primaryMembers of the ECIA subscribe to a strict expertise and information, in and beyond objective of IAIAsa is to create a \"home\"code of conduct to ensure the public of southern Africa. for those people who wish to exchangethe highest standards in professional information on, or learn more about,practice. Having the advantage of The International Association for impact assessment. South Africa hasinstitutional support, collective Impact Assessment South Africa (IAIA received international acclaim for itsexperience, continued professional sa) Integrated Environmental Managementdevelopment and international affiliations \"Impact assessment, simply defined, is procedure and for the high qualityto draw from, members are able to the process of identifying the future Environmental Impact Assessmentsmaximize client's benefit through consequences of a current or proposed undertaken in this country.competency, expertise and integrity. action.\" South African Council for theVredefort Dome Tourist Guides The International Association for Impact Landscape Architectural ProfessionAssociation Assessment (IAIA), organized in 1980 to (SACLAP)There is nothing to equal the Vredefort bring together researchers, practitioners, The South African Council for theDome as an example of what happens and users of various types of impact Landscape Architectural Professionwhen an asteroid hits the Earth. The assessment from all parts of the world. (SACLAP) was established as a statutoryDome with its magnificent scenery marks IAIA involves people from many council in terms of Section 2 of the Souththe centre of the world's oldest and largest disciplines and professions. Members African Council for the Landscapevisible impact crater and is rightfully a include corporate planners and managers, Architectural Profession Act – Act 45 ofUnesco World Heritage Site. Professional public interest advocates, government 2000 (referred to as The Act hereafter).tour guiding is what any visitor has a planners and administrators, private The Council evolved out of the Board ofright to demand. Through our knowledge consultants and policy analysts, Control for Landscape Architectsand interpretation of the area in all its university and college teachers and their (BOCLASA), which functioned under theaspects - scientific, natural, cultural and students. One of the unique features of Council of Architects in terms of Thehistorical - we aim to provide the best IAIA is the mix of professions Architectural Act, Act 73 of 1970.qualify service and reliable information. represented, which provides outstandingWe welcome inquiries and can admit as opportunities for interchange: to advance SACLAP strives to establish, direct,associate members those who share our the state of the art and science of impact sustain and ensure a high level ofgoals but are not themselves qualified and assessment in applications ranging from professional responsibility and ethicalregistered tour guides. local to global to develop international conduct within the art and science of and local capability to anticipate, plan landscape architecture with honesty,Association of Southern African and manage the consequences of dignity and integrity in the broad interest 4 PM November December 2014

Associationof public health, safety and welfare of the aspect of membership and specialisation Architectural Profession (SACAP) is thecommunity. The Council is responsible for within their areas of expertise is regulatory authority for the architecturalsetting standards, registering professionals encouraged. profession. SACAP is responsible forand accrediting educational bodies. providing for registration of persons Pretoria Institute for Architecture (PIA) within the architectural profession;Johannesburg City Tourism Association The Pretoria Institute for Architecture protecting the public against(JCTA) (PIA) is a Voluntary Association unprofessional conduct by registeredWe aim to take Joburg tourism to the next recognised by the South African Council persons, guiding the profession andlevel by marketing Joburg’s inner city for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), promoting the standards of education andtourist destination products. We will be the and is a ‘Regional Institute’ of the South training in the Built Environment.voice of the tourism industry in the city by African Institute of Architects (SAIA). Therepresentation on appropriate tourism PIA has origins in the Pretoria Association of South African Quantityboards. We will form partnerships and Architectural Society which was founded Surveyors (ASAQS)relationships with private and government in 1945. The PIA was created to serve the The quantity surveying profession hasdepartments in the tourism sector locally, interests of architects in the Pretoria area, benefited by a governing institution in oneprovincially and nationally. We aspire to to further good Architecture and to care for form or another since 1908, the year thatbe the catalyst for members and industry the Architectural heritage unique to the Association of South African Quantityto interact regularly and share information Pretoria. The Transvaal Provincial Institute Surveyors (ASAQS) was inaugurated. Thefor the greater benefit of the industry and of Architects, having existed for the better present Association was formed to achieveour city by providing a recognizable part of a century, ceased to exist in the and maintain the following goals andplatform. early 1990's and the South African ambitions: Advance and promote the Institute of Architects was established. science and practice of quantity surveyingCape Institute for Architecture (CIFA) This was the opportunity for the local and cognate matters Uphold the dignity ofThe Cape Institute for Architecture, architectural societies to become regional the quantity surveying profession Watchformerly known as the Cape Institute of institutes in their own right. The Pretoria over, promote and protect the interest of itsArchitects, was formed in 1900. It is a Architectural Society became the new members Afford opportunity for thevoluntary society that aspires to promote Pretoria Institute of Architects. However, interchange and recording of the body ofexcellence in the practice of Architecture the constitution and subsequently the name knowledge and experience of quantitywithin its membership, beyond that which changed to acknowledge and provide for surveying Promote the high standards ofmay reasonably be expected from a other forms of membership, such as professional competence and integrity. Thepractitioner concerned only with Technologists, Artists, Historians and ASAQS provides an environment in whichprofessional registration. An additional, Friends. Our name is now the Pretoria professionals may learn, grow and workequally important objective is to assist its Institute for Architecture. While together to advance the techniques andmembers in the achievement of this concentrating on the day to day aspects of science of quantity surveying. From itsexcellence. running a practice, it also takes into earliest beginnings, the ASAQS has grown account inter alia the dissemination of to include quantity surveying professionalsThe Cape Institute for Architecture is information, liaison with the local from every area of the constructionaffiliated to the South African Institute of authorities, the promotion of the industry, from private practice,Architects (SAIA) and is one of eleven profession, heritage, education and matters government and quasi-government toregional institutes. The Institute is pertaining to the habitat. These functions construction companies.constituted according to the Architects Act are carried out through committee44 of 2000. All member categories are structures which in turn are reflected in the The National Antiques & Decorativerequired to be registered with the statutory constitution of the PIA. Events typically Arts group (NADA)body, the South African Council for the include bi-annual exhibitions, The National Antiques & Decorative ArtsArchitectural Profession (SACAP) professionally arranged publications, group started n 1999 with the commitment to, organising and facilitating establishment of the National Antiques &The South African Antique Dealers of congresses, CPD events and expert Decorative Arts Faire which was staged atAssociation (SAADA) advice to members. Friday breakfasts, the prestigious Sandton Convention CentreSAADA was established in 1963 to luncheons, talks at the two universities in in Sandton, Johannesburg. Since then thepromote the interests of the dealers, give Pretoria, biennial awards and other social Antiques Faire has grown from strength toclients peace of mind and encourage high events more often than not carry a strength and has attracted participantsstandards of ethics. In today’s modern professional or technical component, the from all over South Africa and indeed theworld this history and tradition ensures combination of which being well received world. NAADA encourages dealers fromthat you receive accurate and authentic by the membership, accounting for the all over the world to join. and is only openinformation on every purchase, including a good attendance at all events. Members of to those who meet the criteria of thewritten guarantee upon request. the PIA have been called to offer NAADA code of practice. NAADA professional service at various universities covers nearly every discipline of collectingToday SAADA represents 53 specialist throughout the country and to serve on and participating dealers are required todealers nationally. New applicants wanting various national and international have a good knowledge of their speciality.to join have to have been in business for at professional bodies, giving credence to itsleast three years before being considered mission and value to its members. NAADA strives to uphold a strict Code Offor membership. Membership of every Practice which all of its members adheredealer is ratified annually ensuring South African Council for the to. In the event of a dispute NAADA iscontinued high standards. Integrity and Architectural Profession (SACAP)honourable trade practices are an essential The South African Council for the 5PM November December 2014 3

Associationwilling to intervene and help mediate an our members with up-to-date information regional institutes established in 1996equitable solution. The Code Of Practice and represent them at many levels in the and incorporates the previous nationalhas been introduced to give members of public domain. We also research, Institute of South African Architectsthe public confidence when they make a generate and deliver ideas for enriching (established in 1927) and the regionalpurchase from a member. programs, including CPD courses. Institutes of Architects of the former Cape (founded 1899), Eastern ProvinceCouncil for the Built Environment Johannesburg City Tourism (founded in 1900 as the Port Elizabeth(CBE) Association (JCTA) Society of Architects), Border (foundedThe Council for the Built Environment We aim to take Joburg tourism to the next in 1946 as the East London Chapter of(CBE) and the six councils maintain and level by marketing Joburg’s inner city the Cape Provincial Institute), KwaZulu-apply standards of built environment tourist destination products. We will be Natal (founded in 1901), Orange Freeprofessionals conduct and practice in the voice of the tourism industry in the State (founded in 1921) and Transvaalorder to effectively protect the interests city by representation on appropriate (founded in 1909). The Pretoria Instituteof the public. The Council was tourism boards. We will form of Architects was established in 1993 andestablished in terms of the Council for partnerships and relationships with the following new regional institutesthe Built Environment Act, 2000 (Act private and government departments in were established in 1996: Northern Cape,No. 43 of 2000) (CBE Act). The CBE Act the tourism sector locally, provincially North West, Limpopo (founded aswas introduced in order to address certain and nationally. We aspire to be the Northern Province) and Mpumalanga.shortcomings in the built environment catalyst for members and industry toand to enable a climate for ongoing interact regularly and share information Membership of the Institute is open to alltransformation and development of the for the greater benefit of the industry and architects, the only prerequisite being aprofessions to take place. In terms of the our city by providing a recognizable recognised academic qualification, aCBE Act the Council is responsible for platform. minimum of 24 months practicaltransforming the professions, acting as a experience and an examination inconduit between Government and the Gauteng Institute for Architecture professional practice. Candidatebuilt environment professions, fostering (GIfA) membership is also open to thosegrowth of the professions, and The Gauteng Institute for Architecture is currently studying towards becoming acontributing to the creation of a dynamic one of the oldest architectural professional architect.built environment. organizations in South Africa, founded in 1900 as the “Transvaal Institute”. We are In terms of the constitution the Institute isThe South African National Committee a voluntary association affiliated to the committed to the principle of striving toof the International Council of South African Institute of Architects and be an outstanding professionalMuseums (ICOM-SA) endorsed by the South African Council organisation, which upholds the dignityThe International Council of Museums for the Architectural Profession. of the profession and its members. It aims(ICOM) is a non-profit, non- to promote excellence in architecture andgovernmental organisation of the world's Our Mission is to serve our members’ it seeks to contribute to the enhancementmuseums and museum professionals interests, promote a better built of society and the environment.which is committed to preserving the environment and a greater awareness ofworld’s natural and cultural heritage. Architecture. We offer continual Cape Institute for Architecture (CIFA) professional development courses to our The Cape Institute for Architecture,The cornerstone of ICOM is its ICOM members and the public on topics ranging formerly known as the Cape Institute ofCode of Ethics for Museums. It sets from heritage to professional practice. We Architects, was formed in 1900. It is aminimum standards of professional do this by means of webinars, workshops, voluntary society that aspires to promotepractice and performance for museums lectures, tours of iconic buildings, social excellence in the practice of Architectureand their staff. In joining the events and exhibitions. Events are aimed within its membership, beyond thatorganisation, ICOM-SA members at creating a networking and marketing which may reasonably be expected fromundertake to abide by this Code. The platform for both professionals within the a practitioner concerned only withorganisation also provides a spectrum of built environment as well as relevant professional registration. An additional,training workshops and seminars. government bodies and suppliers. equally important objective is to assist its members in the achievement of thisBorder Kei Institute of Architects We strive to be the voice of the excellence.(BKIA) profession and an informative platform toThe Border Kei Institute of Architects the public. Through hosting exhibitions The Cape Institute for Architecture is(BKIA) is a local representative of the in our office, we educate on architecture’s affiliated to the South African Institute ofSouth African Institute of Architects. We relevance to the public – its social and Architects (SAIA) and is one of elevenaim to connect and enrich our local environmental impact. Transformation is regional institutes. The Institute isarchitectural community through various a key objective for the GIfA and is driven constituted according to the Architectsevents and media as well as through a through education and promotion of the Act 44 of 2000. All member categoriesprofessional support system. The various built environment professions. are required to be registered with theBKIA committees mount exhibitions, statutory body, the South African Councilhold workshops and run awards South African Institute of Architects for the Architectural Profession (SACAP)programs, amongst other projects aimed (SAIA)at ensuring that our members are kept The South African Institute of Architectsabreast of current practice. We provide is a voluntary association of affiliated and6 PM November December 2014

ProjectThe Staff Residence at Rob Ferreira residence and the new resource centre, so on a project of this scale and value.Hospital was awarded to Consultium both constructed concurrently.Architects after the successful completion This is one of the bigger projects in scaleof a master plan done for the entire The building being the highest ever and value that Consultium Architects hascomplex in 2009. constructed in the Nelspruit CBD, had undertaken in the past couple of years. various town planning challenges that What makes this project unique is the factThis building will be a true landmark in needed to be overcome. The professional that we can record that we havethe Nelspruit CBD, as it will stand a proud team worked closely with local town successfully designed and administered13 stories and will be the highest building planners, fire and traffic engineers. Due to one of the highest structures built inever constructed in this region. The the concentrated housing of people, the Nelspruit to date.building consists of 147 accommodation design had to incorporate the upgrade ofunits for Doctors and supporting staff with the existing entrance, additional parking Architects:two levels of basement parking. Ground bays required meant that the entire Consultium Architectsfloor is allocated to meeting facilities, a hospital’s site development needed to becoffee shop and open space for social re-considered. Civil and Structural Engineers:activities, towered by two large multi Nevhutalu Consulting Engineersvolume atriums creating vibrant Building works started in January 2012atmospheres. and the project was scheduled for 21 Electrical and Mechanical: months, no serious changes were made on Mogalemole Consulting EngineersThis building was designed to have a the project after it was handed over to themodern appearance within the approved main contractor. A few design changes Quantity Surveyors:budget and at the same time serve as a were implemented during construction, but Idnil Professional Consultantscounterpart and link between the existing this is common on any project, and morePM November December 2014 3 7

Project8 PM November December 2014

AssociationPM November December 2014 3 9

Project Wood, Wild Olive and White Stinkwood) have been determined deliberately to strengthen the main axes, facades and building entrances. These trees represent of both deciduous and evergreen indigenous species. Planting has been used to screen service yards. Starjasmin grows on Clear Vu fence creating green flowering structures and contributing largely to softening and greening of facades. Building Entrances (5 Entrances) are announced by linear planting of different clipped heights and textures, ornamental gravel and rock design.The Main Entrance road from Jacob Street framed with tree axes, with trees extended to Extra large trees in luxury green focal areasallows a moment's bird's eye view on the parking boundaries. This creates unity of lead the eye towards the Entrances.linear design concept leading the visitor in. different spaces in the overall design. All elements are repeated throughout theLocal rock from site (sandstone type of a The same design principles have been applied landscape areas and intertwine a strongdeeper colour) were used in linear formation to the South Elevation and parking areas. landscape concept that can be identified withto form the focal element in the planting lines the Heidelberg Mall.flanking the entrance road, with the planting Large expanses of gravel areas are interceptedin varying foliage texture and shades of green. through strong repetitive rock lines cutting into the gravel areas, creating depth inDiagonal lines are extended from the main complementing stone texture and colour.traffic circle to the adjacent Northern Façadelandscape. Ornamental gravel has been The planting palette consist of strong hedgeintroduced to these areas as an additional planting varied with grass textures and spikyelement to the linear rock design and planting leaved plants – the contrast complimentinglayers. both types of plants.Main roads and Pedestrian Boulevards are The minimal tree species (Outiniqua Yellow10 PM November December 2014



SupplementFormwork SolutionsWe are a Formwork and Scaffolding We do not believe in just providingcompany that creates an exceptional formwork or scaffolding, but by making itservice within the formwork and work on site.scaffolding market by addressing thecustomer's needs and wants for each We supply on a hire and sale basis allindividual contract. formwork and scaffolding as well as the consumables required in the placing ofWe do this by mutually assessing the the concrete within the formwork, such asrequirements for the project with the spacers, chamfers, oils, ties and plywood.contractor, implementing the bestpossible solution required to provide Try us for all your on site requirementsthem with an easy to use correct system and you will experience what \"service\"and backing this up with regular site actually is.visits to assess the correct and efficientuse of the system.12 PM November December 2014

Association 3 19

SupplementModeling & Analysis Solve Centrifugal Pump Reliability ProblemsModifying multistage, split case,centrifugal pumps reduces jointdeterioration.As the use of variable speed drives with Image 1. The effects of the internal flow Figure 2. A schematic showing thecentrifugal pumps increases, pump users recirculation are shown by the dull finish internal pressure distribution used in theare more commonly operating pumps at on the areas surrounding the dischargehigher speeds than their original design FEAintended. Higher speeds correspond cavity or tongue of each stage. Thisdirectly with increases in head and recirculation causes joint erosion and The results of the baseline FEA revealedcapacity. These higher pressures and a large areas of minimal contact pressure,lack of asbestos gasket material can cause decreased hydraulic performance. corresponding with the known gasketsealing reliability issues for some older failure areas (see Figure 3). The mediumsplit case pumps. Analysis 1: Baseline blue areas were estimated to have a To find a solution to this problem, repair minimum contact pressure of 5,564 psi.Modern three-dimensional (3-D) solid engineers turned to solid modeling via The typical gasket material used for thismodeling and finite element analysis laser scanning and FEA to evaluate and application has a minimum seating(FEA) can assist centrifugal pump analyze design modifications. The first pressure of 4,100 psi to achieve the fullengineers with incorporating design step in the process was to create an pressure multiplied by temperature rating.changes that solve these reliability issues. identical solid model of the casing for use in the FEA (see Figure 1). This model Figure 3. Baseline FEA results showingCase Study was then used as a baseline in an initial large areas of minimal contact pressureSteel mills use high-energy, multistage FEA of the casing.split case centrifugal pumps for descaling between each pump stageoperations. The design of these pumps is Figure 1. A solid model of the pumpsimilar to many boiler feed pumps in casing, derived from laser scanning point Analysis 2: Increasing Bolting Pressurepower plants. with Super Studs cloud data With the baseline design established, theIn 2008, a rotating equipment repair engineers tested several additionalcompany investigated some reliability The goal of the FEA was to solve for the designs for increasing the horizontal jointissues on several 4 x 10 12-stage descale contact pressure between the casing contact pressure. The first designpumps for a steel mill in Indiana. The halves given the existing internal modification tested was the use of a superpumps in question were designed to pressures and bolting forces from the stud. The use of an upgraded materialoperate at 3,600 rpm with a given flow standard casing. from B7—such as Grade 8, which has 17and pressure. However, because of percent greater yield strength—cansystem requirements in the steel mill, the The pressure distribution used can be expand the torque value of the studs,pumps were operating at 5,400 rpm to seen in Figure 2. increasing the tensile loading on eachproduce significantly higher pressure. stud.This increased performance caused heavywashing across the interstage cavities,resulting in internal flow recirculation.The flow recirculation was visible at thepump disassembly and was indicated bythe dull finish on the areas surroundingthe discharge cavity or tongue of eachstage (see Image 1). On average, the flowrecirculation caused these pumps to dropbelow acceptable performance levels afteronly 2,000 operating hours when theywere using a conventional graphite gasketand 5,000 hours when using an asbestosgasket material.14 PM November December 2014



ProjectBRT System in TshwaneThe City of Tshwane on Wednesday started the Johannesburg’s Rea Vaya opened its doors in The city said the BRT would provide a “rapid,construction of South Africa’s latest bus rapid August 2009 and Cape Town’s MyCiTi frequent, high-quality, affordable andtransit (BRT) system in Arcadia, Hatfield. network was officially opened in 2011. convenient” public transport service that Rustenburg is also planning a BRT system, would improve urban mobility and integration.The R2.6-billion Tshwane BRT system, which with construction scheduled to start thisformed part of the city’s revitalisation project, month. “Currently, 66% of peak-hour trips are madewould comprise three depots and 51 stations using private vehicles, leading to trafficon an 80 km route stretching through, besides The City of Tshwane aimed to operate the bus congestion. Many economically deprivedothers, the Pretoria central business district services along BRT trunk routes every three to areas are entirely dependent on public(CBD); Hatfield; Menlyn; Sunnyside; Akasia; five minutes during peak hours, with feeder transport,” he explained.Kopanong, in Soshanguve; Mamelodi and services at the stations and terminals every 15Pretoria North. minutes to enable greater efficiency and ease The system would be named through a public of use for passengers. voting competition ending on July 31. TheSpeaking at the construction site of the proposed names for Tshwane’s BRT systemArcadia street station, executive mayor The BRT system would operate between 05:00 were Maleka, meaning ‘roundabout’, A ReKgosientso Ramokgopa said that the system and 20:30 from Monday to Saturday, and Veng, which means ‘let’s go’, Tsumaya, forwould go live in April 2014 with the 07:00 and 19:00 on Sundays and public ‘go’ and Dumela, which means ‘hello’.completion of the first phase of the project. holidays.Phase 1 would extend from Akasia to Menlyn,through Sunnyside and Hatfield, while Phase 2would run from Rainbow Junction to Menlyn,through Pretoria North, the CBD and Hatfield.The mayor noted that the entire system, whichwas yet to be named, would be operational byOctober 2015.The BRT system would require about 340buses, some of which would be powered bygas, at a cost of about R1-billion.Ramokgopa expected over 10 000 jobs to becreated during the construction phase, andabout 1 000 sustainable jobs once the systemwas live. These included 529 bus operatorsand related personnel, 94 employees for theproposed call centre and about 300 workersmanaging and maintaining the ticketingsystem.“Tshwane's bus rapid transit system will beintegrated in partnership with existing publictransport facilities, which will ferry passengersto and from BRT stations, improvingefficiencies and impact for residents,” saidRamokgopa.He commented that the system was based onthe model used by the Rea Vaya BRT inJohannesburg. The Tshwane system wouldalso implement an ownership model, wherecurrent licensed bus and taxi operators onthe affected routes would eventually own,operate and manage the BRT.16 PM November December 2014



SupplementPartitioningPelican Systems is a leading supplier and Laminate Wood Flooring For the Project Manager we would like todistributor of commercial and residential make your life easier and will assist whereinterior building solutions, including ceiling, Our role in the Industry we can with on-time delivery, technicalpartitioning, opening and flooring systems. Pelican Systems is a company that focuses information, recommendations and other on interior system solutions. We are a industry information as required.A family business which was founded by supply only company that supports the tradeRodney Gould, Pelican Systems has been known to us as specialist ceiling and Our goal is to assist in the specifyingoperating successfully for over three partitioning erectors, builders, contractors, process during the planning stage, makedecades and has experienced role models flooring installers and the sophisticated DIY available costing estimates for the costingwith an extensive knowledge of the building expert. process, provide pricing to our customersindustry both from a contracting and a that are involved in the tender process andsupply point of view. From 2004 until We can be involved in and called on at any ensure a quality product is delivered on siteFebruary 2012 Pelican Systems was in a stage from planning, tender and building to at the required time. Pelican Systems has50/50 Joint Venture with Lafarge Gypsum. discuss our product offering, system developed out of a contracting business, so solutions and technical advice. We work we believe that we have a good insight intoAs a business we value the roles and closely with the following industry the conditions on site, and the particularresponsibilities of all those who are involved professionals and experts to find the best problems that our customers face duringin the building process and can offer a interior solutions for client’s particular building contracts. Servicing the finishingproduct and service solution based on years needs. trades, we are well prepared to handle theof dealing with the trade and a genuine pressure, deadlines and delays that presentunderstanding of the building industry. For the Architect our role is to call, and themselves on many projects. provide information on the products weWith its comprehensive range of products, offer. At times we assist with detailed PartitioningPelican Systems is able to supply superior technical information where there are Pelican Systems offers a range of differentinterior solutions for both the residential and specific sound or fire ratings which need to types of Partitioning Systems specificallycommercial markets. Pelican Systems takes be achieved. designed to suit your specifications andgreat pride in its ability to serve both large All of our product brochures have the budget.and small scale projects without detailed specification as required for the Billcompromising on the level of detail, of Materials, and our products and We believe a Partitioning System should becommitment and passion. specifications are available on Autospec & aesthetically versatile, highly functional and CCN. We have an extensive website where easy to install.As an ethical and reliable supplier and specifications and technical detail can becontributor to the building industry we researched and downloaded. Whether you are looking for the permanentcontinuously strive to maintain and uphold flush wall appearance of drywall or thethe standards of the industry we serve with For the Quantity Surveyor we provide ultimate in flexibility for your ever-changingour every intention being the continual pricing information on the various system office environment or conference facility,improvement and enhancement of our solutions which have been specified, and we have a Partitioning System which willproduct offering to the benefit of the can assist with alternatives when there are cater for your needs.building industry in South Africa. budget constraints. For a more comprehensive expose ofPelican Systems is ISO 9001 accredited and For the Interior Designers and Decorators Pelican Systems, please visit the websiteis a BBBEE Level 6 company. we showcase our product range, and www.pelican.co.za. facilitate the creative process of design toOur Mission is to be responsible role players bring the interior of a building to life.in the building industry and to play avaluable role in eco-innovation, combining For the Property Developer who is lookingtechnology and product improvement in a for a quality product and a reliable andway that allows for a sustainable future. ethical supplier to support their investment and the risk involved in the development,Our Values and corporate culture reflect Pelican Systems will gladly be the partnerintegrity, reliability, flexibility, creativity you are looking for, and can offer a wideand resilience. range of products, and a reliable team to service and deliver the product to site.Product offering includes: For the Contractors, who are our customers Flush Plastered Ceilings & Accessories we provide a source of quality products, Suspended Ceilings & Accessories reliable supply and delivery, as well as Drywall Partitions and Accessories technical on-site support. Operable Acoustic Partitions Operable Glasswalls We are an ISO9001 company, and pride Toilet Partitions ourselves on service and quality. We will Fire Doors always support our range of products and Architectural Timber Doors have more than 30 years of experience in the Aluminium Doors for Partitions interior systems industry.18 PM November December 2014

ProfileThe Harvey World Travel Group is considerably into Botswana, Swaziland, Destinationscomprised of expert travel agents who offer Namibia and Lesotho. We now boast over Harvey World Travel specialises in holidaythe best comprehensive holiday packages at 430 travel agencies throughout Southern packages to premier travel destinations. Ourcompetitive rates. Harvey World Travel is a Africa, Australia and New Zealand. experienced travel consultants will send youjoint venture between BidTravel (part of the to the most beautiful and exciting corners ofBidvest Group) and Stella Group based in Branches the world, with package deals to Africa,Australia. There are over eighty Harvey World Travel Asia, Europe, North America, South America agencies in South Africa, including all major and Australasia.Background cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town andHarvey World Travel is one the largest and Durban. Each one of our franchises is staffed Partnersmost well established retail travel brands in with an efficient team of expert travel Harvey World Travel works with a numberSouthern Africa. Since the first branch consultants waiting to send you to your of esteemed partners to bring you the best inopened in South Africa in 1997, our dream destination. . travel service.franchise network has expanded 3PM November December 2014 19

SupplementPlasticTaking Nampak's business from strength to strengthFundamental to our success are the values Conveniently situated near our Pinetown our industry. Because our facility is sowe believe in and practise—Packaging plant, our Origination Centre services our technologically advanced, we are almostExcellence in everything we do. customers requirements from concept and completely self-sufficient. We always design through to printing process by deliver on time and strive to maintain theWe acknowledge the benefits of corporate utilizing the in house art studio, digital highest levels of service excellence.driven strategic initiatives, systems and orgination facilities, short run digitalbest practices to strengthen our leading printing, digital proofing and gravure Nampak Closuresmarket position. We believe in a culture cylinder manufacturing for absolute We’ve aligned ourselves with majorthat actively recruits, develops and retains accuracy. international players including Bericaptalent and diversity. and Portola, to enhance and diversify our NOC has the unique capability of offering offerings to meet the highest internationalWe value mutually beneficial long-term customers digital solutions ideal for standards whilst enhancing the value ofpartnerships with both our suppliers and samples, new product launches and our customers’ brands.customers, built on a foundation of promotional activities that require shortsuperior quality, innovation and service. runs but excellent printing quality. Our comprehensive range of specialisedWe continuously drive sustainable closures including plastic bottle caps andbusiness excellence through profitable Nampak Liquid lids, as well as plastic twist caps, areoperations, sound asset management and We offer our customers ongoing design, designed and engineered to achievesatisfied stakeholders. development, assembly and support for maximum product integrity and filling filling machinery and handling systems, line efficiencies, crucial to the markets weWe uphold the principles of integrity and ensuring that our packaging solutions serve.employ the services of an independent, comply with the stringent quality hygieneconfidential whistle-blowing hotline standards set by the food and beverage We have strategically located sales officesservice as a means of reporting and industries in Southern Africa. in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.investigating dishonesty, fraud and other Nampak Closures is a HACCP and aninappropriate behavior in the workplace. Total packaging solutions, coupled with ISO 9001:2000 accredited company the highest service levels, technical offering customers a diverse range ofNampak Flexible support and competitive filling systems plastic closures.Our main areas of focus are consistent are the hallmark of our operations locatedwith good manufacturing practices, in the Eastern and Western Cape, Gauteng Nampak Petpakincluding On Time In Full (OTIF), costs, and KwaZulu-Natal. We have been producing PET bottles forlead-times and quality. As a result of our local and international brands since 1979.unique capabilities, we are able to create Our plastic products are supplied to the Our track record, expert knowledge,a culture of MORE in everything we do. alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage cutting edge capability, in-house design markets as well as the chemical industry, service and quality products in theWe have three strategically-located plants household detergents and food sectors. carbonated and still soft drink marketsthroughout Southern Africa. These plants have made us a leading supplier in thespecialise in their particular packaging We pioneered the concept of in-plant Southern African region.technologies and operate according to blow moulding in South Africa—anworld-class standards. option ideal for customers with We are a licensee of Graham Packaging sufficiently large volumes to warrant for the manufacture of multi-trip bottlesOur KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape blowing bottles directly on their premises. and have close associations with leadingplants are ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001 international machine suppliers includingaccredited and have American Institute Nampak Megapak KHS, Krones, Sidel and ASB Nissei. Weof Bakers (AIB) and British Retail At our strategically situated plants in have two commercial plants located inConsortium (BRC) certifications as well Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town we Cape Town and Johannesburg.as HACCP certification (incorporating the manufacture world-class drums, IBC’sOccupational Health and Safety and and crates. We are the sole licensee for Nampak TubesWaste Management programmes). Mauser technology in South Africa for Nampak Tubes is a global supplier of Drums and IBC’s. aluminium barrier laminated (ABL) &Our plant in Port Elizabeth uses the plastic barrier laminated (PBL) tubes.Flexible Best manufacturing practices We are an innovative, forward thinkingwhere the key focus is on manufacturing organisation, using leading-edge Our purpose built facility in South Africaembossed film for the tyre and rubber technology. Whatever your requirements, produces tubes to world class standards.industries. we will provide you with an innovative Tubes are produced with the latest solution that caters to your needs. We are printing and tube forming equipmentNampak Origination Centre (NOC) home to the largest support tool room in sourced by international technology20 PM November December 2014

Supplement “We won't be beaten on our service!\"We are the number one timber merchant inPaisley, ready to deal with all your timber,sheet materials, external and internaldoors, flooring, decking and fencingneeds. After something not on the site? usethe Contact us link, or give us a call on theabove number and we'll be sure to help.Delivery & Customer ServiceWe are a local company covering the The new premises, along with its and have built the company’ s reputationPaisley, Renfrewshire and Greater dedicated and friendly staff are available on slick, efficient service. Same dayGlasgow areas, but we have supplied to to welcome the trade and public, alike. delivery is commonplace, next daymost everywhere in Scotland. We pride The new showroom is a comfortable, delivery the norm; the mill regularlyourselves on our Next Day Delivery and interesting environment in which to provides a while-u-wait cutting serviceSame Day Cutting Services. Our discuss and get advice on your own and can even offer specialist profilescustomers are very important to us and we particular projects. Why not pay them a within a couple of days or so. This sort ofalways strive to supply a first class visit. You'll be surprised at the great range service is a passion within the companyexperience. of products and fantastically good value and helps to set it apart from and ahead of on offer! its competition. TPS is renowned, amongstTimber & Plywood Services is one of Now there’s some “Wood for Thought” its existing customers, as being majorRenfrewshire's business jewels; started by suppliers of fencing and decking products,Alistair Wilkie in 2003, the company To ensure best possible efficiency, in the this range now extended to include Q-began it’s life from rented warehouses in new premises, the company has invested Grip slip resistant decking and TwinsonBlackhall St, (just off Loanend in Paisley); in lots of new kit including cantilever composite decking; although theThe company then purchased and racking, upgraded counterbalance forklift, company’s stocks also include doors,relocated to more suitable premises on the Side-Tracker & Combilift multi- doors, plywood, gyproc, insulation,Ferguslie main road, near Linwood, in directional forklifts, timber barrows and ironmongery, tools, dressed timber , etc. InMay of 2009;. This facility had been Bistrack (bespoke computer software). fact, they can supply almost anything youempty for about a year or so and was These investments ares, of course, ongoing might require on your building or DIYsuffering from a deal of neglect, until the and can only add to the company’ s ability project.TPS team moved in and transformed the to offer the first class service to which itsplace into a practical and inspiring staff are always striving to achieve.working environment: the showroom,sales area and offices are bright, airy and Alistair, along with his management teamcomfortable whilst the timber storage of Gary Harvey, Colin Campbell, Margaretareas have been well thought out and lend Ann Speirs and Pat Harvey have manythemselves to safe and efficient working; years of industry experience between themthe mill, itself, is spacious and is, easily,coping with the increased volume of workbeing created from this new location.PM November December 2014 3 21

Project22 PM November December 2014

ProjectPM November December 2014 3 23

Supplement RO-AL has close relationships with QUALITY ASSURANCE numerous building and civil consultants We are an accredited ISO 9001, ISO 1401 including Architects, Engineers, Quantity and ISO 1801 Company. Surveyors, Electrical and Mechanical consultants, providing a database of highly B-BBEE: qualified and capable experts on which to - Level 3 draw in the event of specialist knowledge or - Value Added Supplier design being required. We have the experience to assemble a team of specialists ASSOCIATIONS: to expedite, design and construct turnkey - Master Builders Association solutions, meeting client specific - Electrical Contractors Board requirements. COMPANY PHILOSOPHYThe company commenced its operations in We believe in servicing the client with1991, primarily in the construction sound quality control principles within aenvironment, with its head office in competitive pricing structure and timeousJohannesburg. Projects undertaken by Ro-Al delivery. Second to this it is important toincluded industrial, commercial, retail, render a \"one stop service\" to the client.institutional and residential. In 1995 thecompany extended its operations to include To achieve this the company:Mobile Telecommunication infrastructure - Employes well trained staff.development, and maintenance on a national - Maintains a program of continiouslevel with offices and resources strategically development, in line with the latestplaced throughout the country. technology. - Maintains a high level of discipline resulting in a team of people that are focused, motivated and treated in a fair manner with sound interpersonal relationships.24 PM November December 2014

SupplementDarrell Band, founder of SA pulse\" with regard to new products andWaterproofing 18 years ago, started in the services on the market so that we may bewaterproofing industry in 1990, where the able to improve on our already excellentmain focus was on waterproofing and service and workmanship at all times.rising damp in the domestic housingdepartment. Services Rising Damp Proofing ContractorsGradually through experience SAWaterproofing started to grow by tracking Only Waterproofing Company that offes athe market across the board and over the \"One Stop Waterproofing & Paintyears developed massive experience not Solution\" which covers:only in the residential market but inindustrial and commercial sectors as well. Torch-on systems & Painting Acrylic systemsRoofing Contractors Rising dampDarrell Band, founder of SA Slate and Standard Tile re-roofing.Waterproofing 18 years ago, started in the Solar panelswaterproofing industry in 1990, where the Rope access for high rise buildingsmain focus was on waterproofing andrising damp in the domestic housing Trainingdepartment. Our staff undergoes ongoing training in house that is run by a competent managerGradually through experience SA checking that quality is at its best theWaterproofing started to grow with the entire time. This also helps our staff tohelp of our dedicated staff, flourished into progress their skills in different areas.a house hold name focusing on impeccablequality and service to the industry.SA Waterproofing now offers a service tothe new works industry, domestic,housing, schools, shopping centre's,airports, municipalities, industrialfactories, commercial properties, andelectrical power stations. Customersatisfaction has been a big help in thegrowth of SA Waterproofing and weintend to continue to operate with thiswinning formula in the future.Our MissionOur mission is to achieve and maintain thehighest standard in our service, and to beproud leaders in the industry. There is noproject that is too big or too small.It is also our mission to ensure that ourstaff remains with their \"fingers on thePM November December 2014 SA Waterproofing has a division to accomodate contracts outside of South African borders through out South Africa. Please do not hesitate to contact our head office for any information that you may require in this field. For anymore information please contact us at [email protected] or on +27 861 786 888. from outside of South African borders please contact us on +27 11 786 8886 25

Supplement26 PM November December 2014

SupplementPM November December 2014 3 27

Supplement28 PM November December 2014

SupplementPM November December 2014 3 29

Supplement30 PM November December 2014

SupplementINTRODUCTION – 50% of all CO2 emissions advantages – concrete and masonry have, forPeople, in general, respond to wood as if example, high thermal mass, which is oftenconnected to it somehow – it appeals to more than – 50% of energy consumed required in a design – but in general, the morejust the visual sense, also to touch and smell. wood we can use to replace other materials, the So the built environment can be considered the better for the environment. ‘low hanging fruit’ with regards improving our situation, as any improvements in the way we So, with stats like 70% of the developed worlds construct can have a real positive effect on our populstion live in timber frame homes, why is the environment…and some think that timber can play percentage of timber buildings so small in SA? a large role in the solution Possible Reasons Comparing Building Materials – the perception of it as a cheaper & less Concrete, steel and masonry are all great building desirable alternative, perhaps still a result of it’s materials, over that there is no doubt. humble iron clad origins and later cost–effective prefab holiday house, still persists amongst many But: – CO2 is one of the direct by-products of the – though many have attempted, there has been manufacturing process of cement little uptake in the cost effective housing sectorIf someone walks into a kitchen with a wooden – Steel is also energy intensive to produce – due to inexpensive labour and plentiful clay,counter top, or picks up one of my timber light brick homes have been the historically preferredfittings, the fist thing they do is run their hands – Combined steel and concrete account for choiceover it – to feel it’s smoothness; sometimes they approx 8% of all greenhouse gas emissionswill even smell it. You don’t often see that – perceived concerns about timber buildingshappening with other materials. – Clay for bricks is extracted from the earth, ie it is of a finite quantity, and then fired in an energy Some Common misconceptionsWHY SHOULD WE BE USING WOOD? intensive processSome of you might think of, when thinking of Fire ….but won’t it burn down? Having you everusing wood; of deforestation, or of the fact that it And wood? tried making a fire with a match and a log?may burn? I am going to tell you the other side of – wood is essentially grown by the energy ofthe story. the sun, ie. never mind a solar panel or two on – Timber is combustible but not flammable, your roof, wood is a material born of solar power which means it needs a high temperature to get itWe all aware that our planet is basically in a mess: burning …in the case of a fire – kindling – in terms of carbon, when a tree grows, it– we are faced with the threat of unprecedented soaks up carbon dioxide from the air, giving off – Large dimension timber is very difficult toglobal warming, most of which is now known the oxygen we breathe as a by product get burning, and when it does it chars, whichbeyond any doubt to be manmade protects the timber and slows down its combustion – if a tree is left to live out it’s natural lifespan,– in terms of resources we’ve reached the point when it falls over and eventually rots, it gives back – Fire engineers can calculate burn & charringwhere current demand exceeds supply, so we’ve only the CO2 that it absorbed rates, and hence the safety factor for varying sizesstarted eating into our capital of timber – similarly, if it burns it gives back the same– worst still, the waste we produce is polluting amount – The are fire retardants available, for examplethe depleting remaining capital, further reducing for timber homes in close proximity – to avoid thethe effective balance – if you take wood and build with it, or convert spreading of fire it into furniture or products – that CO2 gets locked– we face a potential energy crises away – 1 cubic metre of wood stores 0.9 tonnes of – Timber keeps structural integrity for longer CO2 than steel when in a fireThis is coupled with expanding economies (albeitslowly at present), causing the need for ever – wood is the only major building material that – Timber doesn’t change dimension under highincreasing resource extraction, and a growing is renewable temperaturespopulation, with a housing backlog currently of2.1 million houses in SA. – and at the end of the lifespan of a building or – Timber’s performance in the case of a fire is product – we can burn the wood to use it’s stored very predictableSo the question is; how do we meet, not just the (solar) energy, rather than burning oil, coal or gasSouth African, but worldwide need for housing? to obtain the equivalent amount of energy – Effective design for fire safety is not about…without further increasing carbon emissions and preventing a building from burning if a fire getsdepleting resources. What we have is the situation – wood has an extremely high strength to out of control – but rather to ensure a safeof Housing vs Climate Change. weight ratio evacuation of the occupants – ie the structure must remain stable long enough to get everyone outThe solution that is being put forward is know as – so wood …is like natures gift to us! safely.‘decoupling’ – or achieving growth and prosperitywithout resource depletion and ever increasing By using wood instead of conventional materials Deforestation ….but you are cutting down all thecarbon emissions like concrete, steel and masonry, not only reduces trees, and there won’t be any left – that can’t be the amount of CO2 emitted, at the rate of 0.9 good!So why should any of this effect what and how we tonnes of CO2 per cube of material used, but alsobuild? The reason quite simply, is because the locks away CO2 for the lifespan of the product, – as mentioned early, we need to build and weconstruction industry and the built environment and then if disposed of – makes its stored energy need more housing for a growing population, andconsume: available. wherever we can use wood instead of high carbon emitting, and higher embodied energy non-– close to 50% of all resources globally That’s not to say we try and use wood for renewable materials, we are doing the environment everything, as each type of material has its a favourPM November December 2014 3 31

Supplement– cutting the wrong trees and transporting ADVANTAGES OF BUILDING A TIMBER Building Regulations – Timber homes aretimber halfway around the world is not HOME included in the South African National Buildingsustainable, but utilising local timber from I’ve discussed the advantages of using timber Regulations standards, in SANS 10082, Timbermanaged plantations is perfectly sustainable from an environmental point of view, but are the Buildings. When built to these standards they also advantages of building a timber home; for the automatically achieve the standard required for– wood is a renewable resource, for every tree client, the architect or designer, and the builder? registration with the National Home Builderharvested another can be planted. SAFCOL, one Registration Council (NHBRC). They are alsoof SA’s large forestry companies, are currently For the Client: easily designed to meet the requirements of theplanting more than they are harvesting Insulation – and therefore energy costs. Perhaps new Energy Efficiency regulations SANS 10400 Part XA.– SA has more than enough SA Pine to meet not yet such a huge issue, but with a potentialcurrent housing needs, and some of our forest electricity hike of around 16% for the next 5 years For the Builder:areas are underplanted, so if / when demand at this stage, it soon will be Passion – speak to any specialist timber buildergrows planting can be increased Natural Home – many clients chose to build a and you are likely to find someone with a passionOn renewability, the Canadian Architect, Michael timber home because they want a more natural for their craft and for working with wood. WhoGreen, who is developing systems for building home, that better fits into it’s environment – would you rather have building your house?multi-story high rise timber buildings, has something that feels good. Perhaps they feel thatcalculated that; connection to wood. The same applies to beach Precision & neatness– building with timber is a resorts, and lodges in nature reserves precise form of construction. Everything needs toto grow the equivalent of anough wood for a be just right to work. For a builder and alltwenty storey building, taking into account all of Ease of construction and time to construct – it involved it’s easier to monitor and see thatthe forest areas of the US, will take effectively takes significantly less time to build a timber everything is working according to plan.only 13 minutes home than a similar brick & mortar home. It’s also easier to alter or add on to at a later stage – CONCLUSIONDurability …how long will my home last? and a lot less messy. I hope I have shown you enough of the advantages of building with timber, to give it– there are timber homes and buildings which Difficult & Sensitive sites – due to using some though as an option when planning yourhave been standing for 100’s of years relatively lightweight materials, timber homes are next project. ideal for difficult to access sites – where getting– preservative treatments can prelong the timber there is pretty easy compared to bricks. For From our side, along with the ITFB, there is alifespan of timber indefinitely. I mentioned insects sensitive sites timber construction also allows one continuous drive to increase awareness of thewith a taste for timber earlier. The reality is that to nestle right in between the existing vegetation benefits and to promote timber frame as awood is food for some, particularly softwoods – with minimum disturbance. There are also cost building method.so it must be treated savings on steeps sites, by using suspended floor structures With SAFCOL, whom I consult to occasionally,Maintenance there has been a drive over the last few years toIn trying to better understand attitudes towards Higher floor area to building area ratio – as the change perceptions of timber buildings bytimber homes, given the clear advantages and walls are a lot narrow than for masonry building good quality timber frame schoolconsistently small uptake, I at the end of last year, construction, in the case of typical timber frame classrooms, crèches and other buildings as part ofalong with Timber IQ magazine, did a Timber 150mm to around 300mm for a plastered cavity their Social Enterprise Development program.Building Poll. We had just short of 120 brick wall, you get an extra sq.m of floor area for There is also currently a drive to get governmentrespondents, of which 38% had previously or every 7 RM of external wall – which can also be departments to consider timber buildings as ancurrently still, lived in a timber home. What was valuable on small sites. And should be considered option, currently with a view to timber librariesmost interesting to me was how the responses of when comparing square meter rates and schools – so we might see that coming on linethose who had, and hadn’t actually lived in timber in the next while – all of which will help promotehomes, compared on average for the same For the Architect / designer: the acceptability of timber buildings.questions. Contemporary – driven by technology From a consumers point of view I think we shouldWhen asked to rate timber homes compared to everything around us is advancing in leaps and few building materials the same way we view ourbrick, where an answer of 1 is much less, and a 5 bounds. Think cellphones, tablets cars. Timber, food – instead of extracting and manufacturing –far superior, in favor of timber, for the along with other new lightweight building lets think about growing it!requirement of maintenance, the average scores systems, allows us to be part of that technologicalwere as follows: revolution – rather than still building the way we Nature has, after all, provided us with an option were in the pre digital age. Technological we seem to have forgotten about, a perfect– Maintenance requirements: People having lived advances in design software and digital building material that we can grow, harvest, re-in timber homes 2.87 fabrication technologies are now to allowing grow and use in perpetuity. timber to be cut and fashioned to any shape you– Maintenance requirements: Average desire.2.70 Versatility – So thanks to the extremeSo, not only was the maintenance of timber versatility of timber, your timber home could behomes not seen as higher than a brick homes on anything from a humble log cabin, to a grandaverage, but is was even less of a concern to Cape Cod style beach house, a sleek glazed allpeople that had lived in timber homes. round clad post & beam house, or a digitally crafted open plan contemporary house with a freeform double curved roofIn reality though, the maintenance of a timberhome can vary greatly depending on the type oftimber building;– a timber clad timber home will requireregular re-sealing – every couple of years, thoughthis is a relatively low skill and simple task– a fibre cement clad timber frame homeshould require less maintenance than a plasteredbrick home32 PM November December 2014