COVERING THE WORLD OF CONSTRUCTION MARCH 2021 WN PUBLICATIONS CR O ConstructionWORLD

HAS ANY BOOT DONE MORE TO BUILD OUR NATION? Turn to page 18 for the Lemaitre Maxeco

CONTENTS 04 UP Engineering Faculty dean appointed chair Professor Sunil Maharaj has been appointed chair-elect of the Global Engineering 04 Deans Council.

08 Massive decline in 2020 manufacturing sector a major concern The Steel and Engineering Federation of Southern Africa is concerned.

13 SA’s construction industry can build its way back to success in 2021 CEO of GVK-Siya Zama, Eben Meyburgh believes the industry can kickstart the economy.

16 6 stars for a sustainability icon The Ridge has been awarded a 6 Green Star Office Design rating.

20 Dynamic glass Tower with soaring wing-like façade dhk Architects recently completed 35 Lower Long 16 in Cape Town’s CBD.

22 Waterfall retains world’s best title The development is the Best Mixed-use Development in Africa for the 7th time.

26 Phase 2 of Sol Plaatje University Precinct to be completed in mid-2022 AECOM is forging ahead with phase 2 of the Sol Plaatje University precinct.

28 New suites at Cape Town stadium on schedule Construction of 168 new suites at Cape Town stadium with be completed by the end of March.

30 Oxford Parks phase 2 Oxford Parks is a focal point along Oxford Road in Rosebank and has a jigsaw 20 puzzle configuration.

COVERING THE WORLD OF CONSTRUCTION MARCH 2021

ON THE COVER WN PUBLICATIONS CR O ConstructionWORLD Lemaitre’s new campaign celebrates the REGULARS widespread effect of 30 years and millions of pairs of Maxeco serving South Africans. It’s been HAS ANY BOOT DONE MORE TO BUILD OUR NATION? Turn to page 18 for the 04 Marketplace there to help build the country and its people. Lemaitre Maxeco It’s created jobs through local sourcing and Property manufacturing. It’s contributed to an inclusive 14 economy for all our people. And it has been on the frontlines of the nation’s industries, protecting 16 Environment & Sustainability those who are strengthening South Africa. Has any boot done more to build our country? 22 Building Turn to page 18

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 1 COMMENT

Industry Insight is a company that was established out of an industry requirement for a holistic approach to market intelligence in the South African construction market. It recently stated that the R340-billion infrastructure pipeline will not be a 'miracle cure' for the country’s ailing economy unless the private sector’s confidence levels are restored.

n essence, the company says that its COVID-19 economic recovery plan, has This should spur on all parties involved, but IGovernment alone – despite the massive been largely met with extreme scepticism. government’s continued bailout of ‘bankrupt’ pipeline that it announced for various The so-called ‘miracle cure’ will be no such SOEs (for all intents and purposes) which infrastructure sectors – cannot resurrect the thing unless faith can be restored. leaves less funding available for far more industry unless it is assisted by the private productive sectors of the economy (such sector. However, this sector has little to no But, paralysis still exists as infrastructure), has led to confidence in confidence in government after three years Industry Insight says that implementation government being at an all-time low. At a of empty promises or it doing exactly the paralysis persists within broader reforms. time when investment by Government has opposite of restoring faith. The infrastructure rollout relies on private been adversely affected by a weakened sector participation, contributions from the fiscus, structural imbalances and higher Miracle cure not fiscus, and the R100-billion Infrastructure debt-related expenditure, such low so miraculous Fund. Getting this mix right will ensure its confidence may be problematic for the Industry Insight says the private sector is success … while getting it wrong, will lead country achieving its development goals. no longer buying into Government’s (up to to failure. The country can ill afford the latter now) largely empty promises because “the – now more than ever as the dire situation Stay safe country is still yet to see any meaningful was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 Wilhelm du Plessis economic reform and progress of reforming pandemic. Infrastructure development is Editor Eskom, corruption,” etc. As such, President a massive contributor to the economy and Ramaphosa’s comment in his State of its success will lead to job creation, and to the Nation Address about Government’s sustainable economic growth. It is therefore infrastructure expenditure plan as part of a vital pillar for economic prosperity.

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EDITOR & DEPUTY PUBLISHER PUBLISHER Wilhelm du Plessis [email protected] Karen Grant

ADVERTISING MANAGER PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY TOTAL CIRCULATION: Erna Oosthuizen [email protected] Crown Publications (Pty) Ltd (Fouth Quarter '20) P O Box 140 10 692 LAYOUT & GRAPHIC ARTIST BEDFORDVIEW, 2008 Katlego Montsho Tel: 27 11-622-4770 • Fax: 27 11-615-6108 PRINTED BY CIRCULATION Publisher of the Year 2018 (Trade Publications) Karen Smith Tandym Cape www.constructionworldmagazine.co.za The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher.

2 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021

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The Dean of the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & Information Technology (EBIT), Professor Sunil Maharaj.

UP Engineering Faculty dean appointed chair OF GLOBAL ENGINEERING DEANS COUNCIL The Dean of the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & Information Technology (EBIT), Professor Sunil Maharaj, has been appointed the new Chair-Elect of the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC), making him the first Dean in Africa to occupy this position.

rof Maharaj will work as Chair-Elect during 2021 alongside the He further notes that there is no need for concern regarding the state Pcurrent Chair, Dean Sirin Tekinay of the American University of of engineering at universities in the developing world. However, there Sharjah, and will assume the chairship in November 2021. In this is a need to innovate, by constantly promoting 'disruptive engineering'. leadership role he will work closely with leaders throughout the world “We need to always innovate to stay relevant, and South Africa has until the end of 2023 and will work closely with the International done well thus far. It is the only country in sub-Saharan Africa which is Federation of Engineering Education Societies, which links global part of international accreditation bodies, including being a signatory to organisations, professors, students, corporate entities, UN agencies the Washington Accord. We are part of the global space, and we are a and other multilateral global organisations. global player.” Prof Maharaj says he feels humbled to be entrusted with this The GEDC’s vision is to enhance the capabilities of engineering position by the members from across the globe who voted for him. deans to transform schools in support of societies in a global “I was on the GEDC Executive Committee for the past two years, economy. Its mission is to serve as a global network of engineering which afforded my colleagues time to get to know me, perhaps deans, and to leverage their collective strengths for the advancement helping them to vote for me with confidence.” of engineering education and research. The Council’s The appointment follows the disappointment of having to “We are all excited to work with Prof Maharaj, being fully aware move the 2020 GEDC world conference – which was set to be of his deep commitment to strengthen not only the role of his own co-hosted by UP in Cape Town – to an online format. “In 2020, university but also that of other African universities,” said Dr Hans for the first time the GEDC and World Engineering Education Hoyer, Executive Secretary of GEDC. “Given his successful record Conference was to be held in an African country, but due to the of engaging with the global community, this will link many Deans and COVID-19 pandemic it was recently hosted online, and I chaired universities within our network of six continents.” the conference,” Prof Maharaj said. Prof Sirin Tekinay, the outgoing GEDC Chair, said, “I am looking The 2020 GEDC conference theme was centred around forward to a year of working with Prof Maharaj in this capacity, and “Disruptive Engineering Education amidst Global Challenges”. The continuing to support him as the immediate past chair beyond 2021. conference also engaged on how to increase the diversity of people With the chair’s office moving to South Africa, the GEDC will benefit working in engineering. “Getting more women, and especially black from a whole new perspective that will improve the globalisation of women, into the field is still a challenge. This is a challenge across the organisation. Prof Maharaj will be the ninth chair of GEDC, and the globe, not only in South Africa, and there is a big opportunity it will be the second time the chair’s office is moving to the southern for women interested in engineering. The cause could be that hemisphere in the history of GEDC." engineering is perceived as a career designed for men. We – Prof Maharaj says he hopes to facilitate the strengthening across the globe – need to do more to showcase that this field is for of international networks in the organisation, with the focus on everyone, and develop role models for women who will be instigators innovative engineering education and research collaboration through for change. And we need to actively reach out to recruit and welcome engagement with industry, students organisations, local governments women. Industries need to play their part as well.” and global funding agencies. ▄

4 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 SA government construction tenders and contracts STILL DON’T ACKNOWLEDGE COVID-19 RISKS After almost a year of dealing with COVID-19 related shutdowns and disruptions, public sector tenders and contracts do not include any clauses that deal with the pandemic. This is according to construction and technology law experts, MDA Attorneys, following a recent review of the contract conditions of several tender packages posted for public sector work.

learly the pandemic can no longer be unforeseen “Cand treated as a force majeure event, which is the provision most claims have relied upon during the significant disruptions of the past year. The ramifications are not only foreseeable (such as levels of lockdown which restrict movement) but they can now be provided for in contracts and tenders. COVID-19 is likely to continue to wreak havoc on South Africa’s construction sector for at least another year and parties need to be agile and prepared for further possible repercussions,” says Natalie Reyneke, Director at MDA Attorneys. Natalie Reyneke, Areas of impact Director at MDA The most common matters dealt with by MDA’s clients Attorneys. were identified and relevant clauses to deal with these issues were added to public sector tenders and contracts: • Works on site were suspended or completely halted. • Border closures affected the supply chain, materials and goods delivery. • The restriction of movement meant demobilising workers from sites and necessitated additional travel arrangements. • Health and safety measures had procedural and cost implications. • “Most of the public works tender documents we reviewed now much simpler to identify. They include: incorporated the General Conditions of Contract for Construction • delays and/or other events preventing performance, which Works (GCC) 3rd edition, 2015, 2nd print,” explains Reyneke. will entitle a claim for extension of time with related costs, “Amendments to applicable laws and events that occur after • access, mobilisation, demobilisation to and from site, commencement instructions are two areas of this contract that • health and safety, need to be adapted for COVID-19.” • price adjustment, escalation in supplier costs, • types of insurances to be considered for proper cover relating What can be done? to certain unforeseen events and the impact, as a result as In view of the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, parties who well as termination of the contract. commission work (employers) may be faced with time and additional Reyneke warns that parties should carefully review the circumstances money claims from contractors. and expressly define COVID-19 related events as well as “Since COVID-19 and its potential impacts on the time and cost of the entitlements to time and money that could be claimed a project have not been factored into the tender documents, we are by the contractor. advising our clients to include them as early as possible. A key issue “The risks and circumstances differ for each project. Identify and to be agreed is whether pandemic-related issues should be a shared research them and ensure your agreement includes clear, balanced risk between both parties,” says Reyneke. duties and responsibilities for efficient, cost-effective operations,” The clauses of a contract that should be amended are she says. ▄ SAICE welcomes new industry body

he South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) as well as tackling a number of longstanding issues such Twelcomes the establishment of the newly formed construction as transformation of the sector, corruption and unethical industry umbrella body, Construction Alliance South Africa (CASA). business practices.” Vishaal Lutchman, SAICE CEO states, “We are proud to be Chaired by industry stalwart John Matthews, CASA aims to bring one of the founding member organisations of CASA and look SAICE together with 28 other South African professional bodies and forward to playing an active role in creating a united voice in contractors within the construction industry with the shared vision of our quest to lead the post-COVID recovery of the industry an innovative, competitive and transformed industry. ▄

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 5 6 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 7 MARKETPLACE

MASSIVE DECLINE IN 2020 MANUFACTURING SECTOR A MAJOR CONCERN The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown conditions which it occasioned had a devastating effect on the South African economy in general and the manufacturing sector in particular in 2020, Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) Chief Economist, Chifipa Mhango recently said.

peaking after the release of the latest economic data by Statistics utilisation at producing companies under stringent COVID-19 SSouth Africa (Stats SA), which showed that manufacturing lockdown regulations. production fell by 11% and total sales declined by 9,9% in 2020 Mhango said it was important for the Government to do more when compared to the previous year, Mhango said the Stats SA data to revive the ailing economy, with special focus on speeding up revealed the pressure under which companies within the Metals and implementation of policies. Engineering (M&E) sector operated: total M&E production across the “At SEIFSA, we want to see the finalisation and speedy 13 sub-categories declined by 13,6% in 2020 when compared to 2019, implementation of the Steel Master Plan, which we believe will benefit and total sales declined by 12,3% to reach R727-billion. The largest both primary and downstream players in the local steel industry – this sales value for the year was in the non-ferrous metal products sub- will be key to ensuring the M&E sector’s survival,” he said. sector at R162-billion Mhango said fixed investment was also key to reviving the M&E Mhango pointed out that the M&E sector represents 29% of the industry. He said South Africa’s level of gross fixed investment to total South African manufacturing base, and that its decline has massive GDP needed to move to levels of above 40%, from below 20% at implications for other sectors of the economy such as construction, present, in order to grow the country’s industrial base. into which 60% of its products feed as key inputs. He noted that Mhango said although the Government had committed, during the in 2020 the local economy experienced shortages of several key 2020 national budget speech, to spending R815-billion over the next products used by the construction sector due to industries operating three years on various infrastructure projects, mainly though State- below the prescribed capacity. Owned Entities (SOEs), implementation was slow. “Indeed, there was shortage of steel as construction activity He said the M&E sector is heavily reliant on demand from key resumed and as other manufacturers that rely on steel in production Government projects to boost its production and sales, especially also resumed operations,” he said. for products such as steel and other related downstream products Mhango said SEIFSA was also concerned about the latest figures such as roofing material. He said the lack of progress in the on capacity utilisation. According to Stats SA, in 2020 total capacity implementation of such key Government projects was a hindrance utilisation in the manufacturing sector was 72,3%, 1,8% down from the to reviving the economy. 81% in 2019. Within the M&E sector, average total capacity utilisation “As we await the tabling of the National Budget in Parliament in 2020 was 67,6%, with the lowest level recorded in the other on 24 February 2021, we expect tough statements in dealing with transport equipment sub-sector, at 58,4%, and the basic iron and steel mismanagement of funds at SOEs and speeding up of reforms, sub-sector, at 54,2%. He said these figures explained the shortages of coupled with increased investment incentives for the manufacturing steel experienced in the country. sector, for both small and large businesses. More also needs to be The South African economy is estimated to have contracted done to revive the railway system that is not supporting industrial by 7,5% in 2020, partially due to the weak manufacturing activity transportation, which was a commitment made by Government production trends throughout the year, as a result of low capacity in a previous State of the Nation address,” he said. ▄ ‘REBUILDING WITH PURPOSE’ Consulting Engineers South Africa’s (CESA) President, Sugen Pillay, presented his presidential message and theme for the year at a virtual event attended by media, CESA members, and infrastructure stakeholders from around South Africa. Pillay revealed his 2021 theme as ‘Rebuilding with Purpose’.

hen I delivered my presidential address this time last You might remember, I said: ‘We are certainly in a period of great “Wyear, I had little idea of what was to come in 2020 – the change. In times such as these, there is always uncertainty as to how unprecedented trials and tribulations that would face our industry, our events may unfold, and a certain amount of trepidation as to what the country, and our global society,” began Pillay. “However, the words I change may entail, and what the future may hold.’ This was before said then, 12 months ago, were more apt than I could have imagined. COVID-19 reached our shores.”

8 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 However, Pillay said that despite the uncertainly and trepidation, infrastructure, both new and maintained, for the benefit of end- South Africa is facing these economic and social challenges with users as well as the creation of jobs. resilience and determination. He cited the South African Economic • A decentralised approach to spatial planning and development, Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, which has created some much- spurred by the decreased emphasis on metros due to remote needed optimism for the consulting engineering industry. “Despite work and teleconferencing. the hardships facing our country – hardships we cannot expect to • Increased attention to agriculture and surrounding services, as dissipate soon – CESA remains committed to improving the business the agriculture sector is performing well and surrounding areas landscape and playing our part in creating a conducive procurement are prime for development. environment as well as shaping the requisite talent to see that our • Greater focus on maintenance, which is vital due to the poor country’s developmental goals are met. We aim to mould our industry performance of our infrastructure, as highlighted in the recent of consulting engineers to ensure we continue to protect lives through SAICE Infrastructure Report Card. quality and safe infrastructure, and protect livelihoods through the creation of economic opportunities for the wider construction value Purpose chain,” he said. “In our efforts to rebuild, let us maintain our focus and purpose on Reflecting on the past year, Pillay said CESA had made progress doing so with quality and integrity. If we are to truly save lives and in strengthening the relationship between government and the private livelihoods, we must operate with an unwavering focus on value, sector, showcased by the association’s involvement in the Sustainable reliability, and sustainability.” CESA’s emphasis on quality has been Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa in June last further highlighted by the new mandated management systems year. “However, it has become clear that South Africa still faces many for CESA members based on international standards for quality, of the same challenges as in prior years, with an ongoing demise of integrity, and sustainability. This demonstrates CESA’s commitment public decision-making processes, a lack of checks and balances to accountability, which Pillay says he hopes to see reflected in within procurement systems, and a loss of accountability of those public sector spheres. tasked with leading change.” He mentioned President Ramaphosa’s Looking forward to industry developments, Pillay mentioned slow and laborious efforts to curb corruption, and the poor results the upcoming CESA Annual Infrastructure Indaba, the FIDIC Africa from the 2020 Auditor-General’s report as examples. ”We also face Infrastructure Conference, as well as the newly formed Construction continuously delayed infrastructure delivery, and those projects which Alliance South Africa (CASA) as key in creating constructive do see progress are hampered by obstructions from the so-called engagements and industry coordination. construction mafia.” However, Pillay chose to highlight the good, and not dwell on the Recovery negative. He said that last year showed a greater focus on people In conclusion, Pillay said that CESA is committed to contributing to rather than profit. “As compassion and empathy gained momentum effective and sustainable solutions, and will continue to guide its amid a public health crisis, we are now seeing an industry of people members and the industry at large towards more transparent and who act with more care for others, and we hope this spirit of ubuntu prosperous infrastructure delivery processes. “Every person in South continues through 2021 as we stand together. Ultimately this spirit of Africa stands to benefit from this goal which would see improved ubuntu and caretaking is what CESA aims to promote to industry – to use of taxpayers’ money, an appropriately capacitated state, and the protect lives and livelihoods, and consider the tangible social and delivery of safe and reliable national infrastructure offering a strong economic outcomes of our work.” foundation for further economic growth. ▄

Rebuilding Unpacking the 2021 theme, Pillay highlighted the importance of democracy. “As we have seen recently in the US, democracies are precious and fragile, and need to be nurtured. Democracy will become less and less meaningful to those in our society that are stuck in poverty, with no access to basic services, and with no opportunities. Thus, as we embark on this massive rebuilding project, let us try to rebuild in a conscious and mindful manner, so that rebuilding doesn’t just become about providing infrastructure, but that it is consciously engineered to address poverty, inequality, and unemployment.” Importantly, he said that as we rebuild, industry must be understanding of the immediate needs of society. “Without doubt, the most pressing requirement is the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine. CESA encourages the industry to be patient and understanding as resources are diverted to funding the vaccine initiative. CESA and its members have the necessary skills and expertise to assist with the massive vaccine rollout undertaking, and offers it services to assist in this regard. We need to be aware that municipal budgets set for infrastructure may be diverted. And we should stand ready to assist in infrastructure that might be prioritised, such as hospitals and clinics.” He called on industry to contribute where they can, to go beyond the call of duty, and work together with the state to address issues around resources and governance. Pillay presented various opportunities which could be leveraged in CESA CEO, Chris Campbell (left) and 2021 to strengthen the industry and economy: CESA President, Sugen Pillay. • Greater community involvement in the development of

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 9 MARKETPLACE

ARE YOUR CLIENT’S FIRE-COMPLIANCE STRATEGIES SAFETY-PROOF?

Your client’s organisation, its operations and its people are what drive a business and protect them, as well as your reputation. If a fire had to break out at one of your client’s buildings while the business was functioning at a reduced workforce capacity (let alone fully-populated), would the fire early warning systems and equipment in place be adequate - and would employees know where to find the emergency routes and exits, to ensure life safety?

he OHS Act requires any building to Tbe inspected four times a year for fire hazards; fire drills to be carried out twice a year; and the fire alarm system to be tested every third month. Simple fire safety assessments can be done by the appointed fire marshals to ensure basic fire safety measures are adhered to – such as general housekeeping and emergency escape routes. Where more in-depth assessments are required, a professional and competent fire engineer would be required to evaluate the current fire risk and compliance to the approved fire rational as approved during construction. Dean Gopal, Product Manager for Life Safety Division at Eaton says a few changes, such as whether hard-of-hearing or disabled team members have been employed since the last assessment was done or if a building been extended or modified in any way, can significantly impact your client’s level of fire safety risk. “Fire prevention and response strategies should be regularly reviewed and updated. We work closely with our customers to meet the highest of standards, whether sites are stadia, high-rise offices, government buildings, transport hubs, hospitals, retirement homes, industrial facilities or retail and leisure complexes.” Eaton brings decades of expertise in designing and developing fire alarm systems and manufactures a comprehensive range of market-leading Addressable and Conventional fire alarm Dean Gopal, Product Manager for Life Safety Division. systems that are compliant, efficient, user-friendly and configurable for specific application needs. ensures the system is fault-tolerant with short circuit isolators, “Robust fire detection and voice alarm systems are essential to and continuous fault monitoring ensures high availability. fire safety strategies to prevent catastrophic damage, injury and A wall-mounted all-in-one box voice evacuation system, loss of life. The risks associated with failure – from preventable such as Eaton’s DAU500, is powerful and flexible, containing a death to irreparable reputational damage – make the carefully completely integrated voice evacuation system, capable of both considered design and installation of a fire or voice alarm system standalone (for small systems) and network operation (for larger a vitally important process,” says Gopal. system expansion). Eaton’s VoCALL 16, for example, is a high specification loop- Gopal says the best approach is to use the appropriate device driven intelligent digital emergency voice communication system for a given situation after having assessed all the risks. that offers sophisticated functionality along with simple end user “Looking carefully at the practicalities of any given situation operation. It is designed to allow for easy expansion in the future; should provide a better understanding of the best fire compliance while a maximum of 512 outstations in a networked solution solutions to implement, taking into account the safety and can be viewed controlled from one central area. Its loop wiring convenience of your client and their employees.” ▄

10 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 HIGH QUALITY GLOVES

opline is a family-owned and run business Tthat has been supplying the hardware, tool and building industries for over 32 years. They are experts in the sourcing, branding and distribution of numerous categories of tools, garden products and international market leading brands. A product that is ideal for the construction industry, is its high quality gloves that it distributes through 3rd party couriers across Southern Africa. These gloves provide performance, strength, ergonomics and unmatched durability backed by competitive pricing. Since its establishment in 1947, Towa Corporation has been an innovative creator of both industrial and household gloves. Towa, known as a rubber dipping expert, has been introducing a variety of high standard gloves for decades to many industries, including construction, automotive, farming, fishing, warehousing etc. The quality of Towa gloves was soon recognised widely in Japan, and its reputation and Towa glove ranges have now spread to over 30 countries across five continents. Towa maintains its commitment in creating high moulds that truly fit the human hand, thereby ensuring a much quality gloves over a multitude of industries. better fit and more accurate working. The manufacturing process These gloves’ unique selling point is that it has MicroFinish® conforms to EU Conformity Declarations, all factories are ISO technology which promises outstanding grip performance. Towa accredited while stringent quality checks are performed. believes that the most important part of glove manufacturing (and Topline supplies Stefanutti Stocks, Bohle Glass and Fedex what separates Towa from other manufacturers) is to create former with these high end gloves. ▄

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 11 MARKETPLACE

CIVIL ENGINEERING ACTIVITY TICKS UP IN Q4 The results of the 2020Q4 cidb SME Business Conditions Survey point to a mild improvement in construction activity led by an uptick in work in the civil engineering (CE) sector, while activity growth in the general building sector (GB) was stable at the weak level registered in 2020Q3.

n the plus side, it’s encouraging that the results aren’t all 2017Q4. “The performance of civil engineering contractors in the “Onegative. However, this has to be interpreted with caution Western Cape definitely stands out this quarter. Not only was activity as the sector still faces many headwinds”, said Ntando Skosana, higher, but tendering price competition eased and overall profitability Construction Industry Performance. was better. All the indices improving in tandem is evidence that Weighing on overall GB activity was a sharp deterioration in current demand, at least in the Western Cape and to a lesser extent Gauteng, work among contractors in Grades 5 and 6. Despite this, is improving albeit off a low base,” commented Skosana. ztheir confidence was unchanged at a low 13. In contrast, the The outlook remains downbeat for both GB and CE with the index confidence of Grades 7 and 8 fell by 7 points to 0. While activity measuring insufficient demand for new work as a constraint remaining improved significantly, it was not enough to prevent overall profitability elevated at 80% for both sectors. from deteriorating. “Although activity is better than in 2020Q3, it In summary, conditions, especially regarding work, remain tough in seems GB in Grade 7 and 8 are sitting with increased cost pressures the GB sector. In contrast, there seems to be a broad-based uptick in both by way of higher overheads resulting from the cost of COVID-19 CE work although more noticeable in the Western Cape and Gauteng. health and safety requirements, but also due to increasingly scarce Overall, the survey suggests a slight improvement in construction building materials which could be pushing up the cost of inputs,” activity in 2020Q4 relative to 2020Q3. noted Skosana. Confidence among GB in Grades 3 and 4 slipped “It is heartening to see some signs of improvement in the civil by 3 points to 30. engineering sector but sustainability is difficult to gauge. Hopefully, Provincially, Gauteng was the only region to register higher we could see some of the work related to the much-vaunted confidence at 25, from 21 in 2020Q3. This was supported by a slight infrastructure development programme in the next few months. Also, rise in activity. In contrast, GB confidence in the Western Cape and although the fiscus is under pressure, local government capex, or at KwaZulu-Natal declined to 8 and 0 respectively. GB confidence in the least the efficiency thereof, could be boosted in light of the municipal Eastern Cape was unchanged at 0. elections set for next year. As for general building contractors, the After rising by 7 index points in 2020Q3, CE confidence increased outlook is bleak over the short term,” said Skosana. ▄ by a further 10 points to register a level of 29 in 2020Q4. Activity growth improved to its best level this year, supporting the uptick ABOUT THE SURVEY in confidence. Confidence was higher across all grades led by CE in Grades 3 and 4 at 16 “The results for CE are very encouraging, The cidb SME business conditions survey is conducted quarterly especially because it is not only sentiment that improved but also among Grades 3 – 8 cidb-registered contractors (categorised into activity, and in a broad-based manner. However, it must Grades 3 and 4, Grades 5 and 6 and Grades 7 and 8), both for general building and civil industries. be considered that activity growth is still under significant strain and this mild improvement comes off an exceptionally low base,” The main indicator used for analysis purposes is business remarked Skosana. confidence, which indicates whether respondents find the current Although activity was better in all provinces, the uptick in sentiment business conditions satisfactory. A business confidence index can is less broad-based when considered from a regional perspective. vary between zero (indicating an extreme lack of confidence) and While CE confidence in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal 100 (indicating extreme confidence). The 50 index-point mark is interpreted as neutral. registered a more than 10-index-point decline, in the Western Cape and Gauteng sentiment moved higher. Indeed, CE confidence in the The 2020Q4 survey was conducted during the period Western Cape, at 46, is at its highest level since 2018Q4. Even better 5 October and 16 November 2020. is the index measuring activity growth which is at its best level since

12 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 Eben Meyburgh, CEO at GVK-Siya Zama Building Contractors.

SA’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CAN BUILD ITS WAY BACK TO SUCCESS IN 2021 In his State of the Nation Address (SONA 2021), President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the R100-billion Infrastructure Fund is now in full operation. He said that infrastructure projects that have been planned will lead to the revival of the construction industry and the creation of much-needed jobs.

ith this in mind, Eben Meyburgh, CEO at GVK-Siya Zama integrated infrastructure projects to revive the economy.” Meyburgh WBuilding Contractors believes that the industry has the potential is confident that the construction industry will be able to successfully to help kickstart the economy after it declined in 2020 following an navigate 2021 as the sector is now better equipped and able to deal extremely difficult year due to measures taken to protect against with the continuing challenges brought about by COVID-19. COVID-19. “As the public sector is investing in various civils “The lessons we learnt last year will definitely assist us to handle projects, we hope to see a positive knock-on effect when it comes to crises that we may face, and construction teams are armed with increasing work opportunities for related industries such as building effective ways of ensuring their own safety and that of others on site construction, material manufacturing, engineering, architecture and and in their personal lives.” electrical construction. “The sector, therefore, needs to be ready to take advantage of It is important to note though, that it won’t be smooth sailing as these opportunities, he says. “I believe that the key theme of this the industry is still anticipating another disruptive year, he adds. year is to accept and embrace change, partner with industry “Challenges brought on by the pandemic and slow economic growth stakeholders to find solutions and create opportunities for growth, are expected to persist into 2021, and although expenditure in and growing people.” the private industry is loosening up marginally, this, along with the Like most South Africans, Meyburgh points out that the team slowdown in public sector work, may not be sufficient in the short to at GVK-Siya Zama has learnt to embrace change and upheaval. medium term. As such, the labour force may become more desperate “More than anything, we place emphasis on the importance of due to unemployment which could result in the rise of disruptions retaining and building trusted relationships with all stakeholders by the construction sector mafia.” He adds that government has the and supporting one another through these difficult times. Working opportunity of making a considerable contribution towards averting together and uniting with our colleagues, clients, sub-contractors, drastic risk to industry and the labour force by accelerating project suppliers and other industry players has strengthened us as awards and reducing lag. individuals and as a company.” Despite this, he points out that there is cause for optimism Meyburgh urges construction industry peers to remain positive. and that he believes the industry can start building its way back “It is incumbent upon us to contribute to the revival of the economy to positive growth in 2021. “The Economic Reconstruction and by being solutions oriented, improving efficiencies and driving Recovery Plan has helped to address some of the uncertainty in alternative and sustainable building methods. “I implore industry the construction industry and players in the sector are currently in leaders to proactively drive innovation and creative thinking to engagements with Government regarding the rollout of strategic successfully grow the industry in 2021,” concludes Meyburgh. ▄

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 13 PROPERTY

TRENDS DRIVING INNER-CITY REVITALISATION AND URBAN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKETS

During the COVID-19 pandemic, property stocks in general took a significant hit, where retail and commercial office space – and even some industrial property holdings – were affected. In contrast, lower-income affordable housing – and inner-city housing in particular – has performed better than most other property markets in South Africa over the same period.

hanges in the way we work, which were catalysed by the Cpandemic, as well as South Africa’s urban densification imperative are some of the trends driving this performance. Paul Jackson, CEO at TUHF, shares his views on the trends shaping urban regeneration in South Africa, and boosting the residential property market in inner cities.

The urban densification imperative Urban densification is a national imperative. It is happening, as part of a natural demographic trend that happens as countries develop. It is also happening at a much larger scale than people may believe. According to the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE), 70% of South Africa’s population will be urbanised by 2030, with more than 60% urbanised already1. Paul Jackson, However, Jackson believes that South Africa’s urban CEO at TUHF. development and, in particular, the current approach to making housing investments have contributed to enormous and unsustainable urban sprawl as people continue to flock to urban says Jackson. In the longer term, reduced commuting time and areas and inner cities. “Urban densification must be managed costs will also continue to drive urban densification trends. The carefully to avoid creating urban decay in the process.” daily commute, for example, sees 20% to 40% of South Africans “Meeting this challenge cannot be done with the traditional spending 2-3 hours of their day and 30% of their monthly income property development approach of building single, large scale on getting to and from work. As people increasingly move to the and often comparatively expensive projects on the periphery of inner cities to reduce their living costs and/or gain access to better our cities. With the existing urban landscape of most inner cities facilities and amenities, the opportunity to invest in inner-city already under space pressures, urban densification must take rejuvenation and refurbishment projects makes both short- and the form of many less expansive projects that rely on ordinary long-term sense. people with local knowledge for their success,” says Jackson. “In our business, we are seeing small and medium-sized developers A positive fiscal impact taking up opportunities to develop projects between R1 million and The final driver behind inner-city investment is the knock-on effect R100-million, and we expect this phenomenon will continue.” on the greater economy. Jackson suggests that while RDP housing developments The changing world of work certainly serve an important purpose, these developments often Lockdown restrictions implemented to contain the COVID-19 have a net negative fiscal impact. “They require additional services pandemic catalysed the adoption of work-from-home strategies for and ancillary infrastructure development in areas that have none, many traditionally office-based employees. Even with restrictions and people living in these developments often struggle to pay for easing, many companies are either not returning to the office, or services such as utilities, rates and taxes.” are reducing the office space they rent, to reduce costs. TUHF’s impact through scale approach has been developed “The result is that we are seeing office and retail space based on proven results of sustainable investments and remaining disused, or no longer fully tenanted. And as such, many returns, while still being aimed at stimulating micro-economies large, listed organisations and investors who own commercial in the immediate surroundings of a development so that urban properties in inner cities are either looking to sell or transform densification largely has a net positive fiscal impact. This not only their building stock into residential or mixed-use developments,” stimulates economic growth but attracts people that are more likely indicates Jackson. to be able to pay for services, rates and taxes. These projects TUHF believes that small and medium-sized entrepreneurs can also require less upfront investment, as they make use of existing capitalise on this trend as unwanted commercial space in inner infrastructure that can be refurbished or improved. cities becomes available for conversion. “People are already investing in inner cities, financing important “Inner cities are multi-sector economies that, when managed urban development to create urban densification projects. It is a well, attract pedestrians, commercial activity and reliable tenants phenomenon that is already shaping our urban areas. The market while stimulating new businesses. As ordinary South Africans trend is extraordinarily positive, and for government and private remain under financial pressure, and as working from home investors, the opportunity lies in helping to ensure that these becomes part of the 'new normal', people seek affordable, decent investments are regularised and contribute to inclusive wealth accommodation with access to physical and social infrastructure,” creation,” concludes Jackson. ▄

14 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY MARKET IN 2021 The Industrial Property Market in 2021 is certainly not an easy one to predict. However, learning from the past year’s events gives us a good idea of what we can expect.

recover fastest towards the end of 2021. Developing countries will likely only see their economies improve in 2022.” “The Industrial Property sector in South Africa will remain tough, but better than the retail, office and leisure sectors – the speed of recovery will depend on the speed of the vaccine roll-out,” advises Bales, who says that companies utilising industrial property will continue to push for enhanced efficiencies, while modernisation across all business processes will be a continued theme. “This includes further mechanisation of processes, where possible. Also, far greater utilisation of computerisation and cloud-based solutions. Along with better computerisation, access to buildings with fibre/5G will be critical.” Bales says that along with greater computerisation, the ratio of offices to warehouses and factories will continue to decrease (i.e. less office space in demand) his is according to industrial property expert Tony Bales of Epping and demand for environmentally friendly buildings will increase. TProperty. Bales unpacks the main themes of Industrial Property in “Hopefully, Eskom will not impose too much load shedding in the 2020 and how the year ahead will play out. year ahead. However, as the economy picks up and the utilisation of The industrial property sector was the best performing property power increases, Eskom’s ability to cope with the increased demand asset class in the last 12 months. remains an ongoing concern.” • Logistics and warehousing were the best performing components “Certain businesses will try to keep leases short until a greater of the industrial property sector. Also, food-related businesses amount of certainty returns, and landlords will demand higher rentals faired relatively well. for the luxury of a shorter lease in the industrial property market. • While overall industrial rentals softened, they were not as In general, industrial rentals will remain under pressure during 2021,” dramatic as the retail, office and leisure sectors. advises Bales. “Asking rentals in the last quarter of 2020 were lower • New industrial developments were minimal. These were mainly than at the same time in 2019 and in addition, achievable rentals developed for specific businesses. are now roughly 10% lower than asking rentals, whereas a year • Efficient buildings/warehouses were in more demand than older, ago achievable rentals were only 5% lower than asking rentals. This less efficient buildings. Think m³ rather than m². will be due in part to the weak economy and the competitiveness of • Notwithstanding the difficult economic conditions, demand for landlords to secure tenants for their vacant buildings.” environmentally friendly buildings was strong. Bales concludes by stating that the Industrial Property sector in South Africa should, once again, be the best performing property What does this mean for the Industrial Property sector in 2021. “Recovery at the end of 2021 and into 2022 (of all Market in 2021? business sectors) is likely to be heavily reliant on the manner in which According to Epping Property, the global economy will remain weak in South Africa deals with COVID-19 and the speed and efficiency at 2021. “However, due to vaccine roll-outs, developed economies will which it can roll out a successful vaccination programme.” ▄

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 15 ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

6 STARS FOR A SUSTAINABILITY ICON The Ridge, a new commercial building in the Portswood District of the V&A Waterfront, celebrates its 6 Green Star Office Design rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA), a rating considered as demonstrating 'World Leadership'.

ccording to the certification, the Ridge exceeded the base and care for the people who will use the building. This approach is Aentry scorecard level of 75 for a 6 Star Office design rating, ‘Our Normal’, a vision to set the tone for sustainable green building, by achieving a total 80 design points. guiding our planning and development strategies. Of significance were the 9 innovation points given by assessors “A vital part of our circular economy is the focus on people. This on the scorecard against an achievable maximum of 10. These are building creates an unparalleled internal environment with the highest awarded over and above any credit obtained in other categories and level of natural light and fresh air, a virtual oasis in the city. Occupants are special points awarded at the discretion of the GBCSA. and visitors can enjoy inspiring views, inner green spaces which The innovation category encourages efforts which demonstrate include a groundbreaking ‘central street’ concept naturally ventilated that sustainable development principles have been incorporated with fresh air, breakaway zones, and an all-round environment to the wider process of design, construction and performance of conducive to productivity. buildings, as well as any positive environmental influence brought to “The Ridge is the very opposite of conventional city buildings bear on the wider geographic area in which the project is located. which are dominated by concrete and glass. Its pioneering timber One such example of innovation is also the building's outstanding façade and mixed mode natural ventilation mechanical systems are feature, its eye-catching cross laminated timber façade. This plays a firsts for South Africa”, he explains. major role in the indoor comfort of all building occupants – functionally Lisa Reynolds, CEO at the Green Building Council of South Africa and in the choice of a natural material – which grabbed the attention (GBCSA), commends the V&A Waterfront and the entire professional of the green building assessors. team on another iconic 6-star Green Star certified building within the Further innovation points were given to passive design criteria. Waterfront precinct. “The Ridge represents the V&A’s commitments The way the building breathes - its indoor climate control - is based on to world class sustainability leadership as well as showcasing local mixed mode ventilation, using mainly fresh air and having openable built environment professional talent capable of delivering innovative windows. Heating and cooling is based on further innovative criteria. sustainable design” says Reynolds. “Green buildings like The Ridge (Information is given in the notes below). help to inspire a built environment in which both people and planet An unusual innovation credit comes from the highly creative use thrive”, she adds. of plastic waste as ecobricks inside non-load bearing concrete floor Georgina Smit, Head of Technical at the GBCSA explains that a 6 slabs, to displace the use of conventional concrete or polystyrene star Green Star Design rating at the project design stage represents ‘void formers’. This appears to have been a first for a South African an intent to achieve a sustainability performance level that equates commercial building and achieves various sustainability goals. to world leadership, exceeding South African excellence (5 star) and According to Vusi Nondo, Executive Head of Development at the industry best practice (4 star). V&A Waterfront, there is also much more to the Ridge than some “Six-star ratings are unusual in SA and is not an easy achievement environmental firsts: “The V&A Waterfront’s ethical development for a design rating. Only nine other offices have achieved this approach defines our master planning which focuses on sustainability accolade to date, either through our Design or As Built rating, or both,

16 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 since 2010. It involves a committed client, a dedicated professional Professionals Company team and an integrated design approach by all” she adds. Landlord V&A Waterfront Mark Noble, Development Director at the V&A Waterfront Tenant Deloitte and the project leader says: "We believe that this is one of the Architects Studio MAS most unique green buildings in Africa, if not the world. Engineering Team Arup "This has been a fascinating journey for us, supported Project Managers Mace by Deloitte, who subscribe to sustainable and green building, Quantity Surveyors Smith & Co and actively promote the United Nations' Sustainable Interior Architects Paragon Interface Development Goals. Main Contractor GVK Siya Zama "In a highly challenging year for the whole property industry Geo-tech engineers Core Geothech with the pandemic, our getting this accolade required dedication Landscape Architects Planning Partners and great skills from an outstanding professional team in reaching the practical completion stage in the face of lockdowns and Acoustics SRL extreme human safety restrictions”, he concludes. ▄ Eco-bricks V&A Waterfront GREEN AWARD FOR KHOBAB WIND FARM CONCRETE A four-star Eco-Product Label has been awarded for the low cement concrete used by infrastructure contractor Concor to build wind turbine bases at Khobab Wind Farm in the Northern Cape.

he certificate was awarded by Eco Standard South Africa to achieved in the Khobab bases was 42,1 MPa, while in the blinding this Tthe project manager Mainstream Renewable Power, the wind was 22,3 MPa. farm Khobab Wind (RF) and Concor, commending the concrete’s “Testing of the concrete mix options was conducted for six months low carbon footprint. According to Eco Standard South Africa, the before the project, to identify the optimal mix for the application,” replacement of cement by alternative material in the product saved Attwell says. “In the years since the contract was completed, we have over 1,9 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being emitted. continued to test at intervals and have confirmed that the strength and The concrete was used to construct 61 wind turbine bases, durability have increased year on year.” each measuring 19 metres in diameter and consuming 60 readymix “The embodied carbon emissions in slag is just 10% of the level in truckloads of concrete. According to Stephan Venter, contracts cement,” he says. “Fly ash is orders of magnitude lower, at just 0,1% manager at Concor, the company’s commitment to Zero Harm includes compared to cement. Using these cement replacements, it is possible high environmental standards as well as an acknowledgement that to significantly reduce a project’s carbon footprint.” climate change is a major threat facing the planet. The low carbon concrete mixes were specially designed to ensure “It is therefore important that we reduce our carbon footprint the same setting parameters as more conventional mixes. Attwell wherever we work, and our innovative approach to doing this notes that a high slag or ash content in concrete tends to extend the often also reduces costs for our customers – as it did at Khobab,” setting time from the normal four to six hours to as long as 24, 48 says Venter. or even 72 hours. The specialised concrete mixes also allowed the The remoteness of the site potentially meant trucking 80,000 project to deal with a severe shortage of suitable water, as the site tonnes of aggregate required for the concrete bases – some 3,600 was in an arid region which was also experiencing drought conditions. truckloads – from the nearest existing source 300 km away. Instead, “The only groundwater available contained sulphate levels six Concor was able to identify a deposit of more suitable dolerite close times higher than normal concrete required,” he says. “This would to site, and establish its own quarry and crushing facilities. have led to delayed ettringite formation (DEF) and a rapid deterioration “This substantially reduced the carbon footprint of the material,” of the concrete in the months after it had set.” Venter says. “It also resulted in greater economy for the project as a Eco Standard South Africa also commended the concrete’s use whole, as we could generate our own stone rather than relying on a of recycled water, which was appropriate for this water scarce commercial source.” region and also reduced the requirement for the disposal of The low carbon concrete mix design was achieved by substituting concrete wastewater. ▄ cement with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) or fly ash. For the Khobab project, GGBFS was sourced as a waste product from the steel works at Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape. Cyril Attwell of ARC Innovations, who consulted to Concor for the concrete designs, says that the average carbon footprint on the bases at the Khobab Wind Farm was 90,7kg.CO2/m³. The average carbon footprint for a standard 30 MPa readymix concrete base is from 290 to 340kg.CO2/m³. “What is also significant is that with the demanding application in the turbine bases – completed in 2016 – there could not be any compromise in the strength and durability of the concrete,” he says. The blinding for each base was done with a 95% cement replacement, while the concrete for the bases themselves achieved a 90% cement replacement. Whereas 320 to 360 kg of cement is normally required for a cubic metre of concrete to reach 30 MPa in strength, the use of low carbon cementitious replacements allowed this proportion to be reduced to just 35 kg. The average strength

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 17 COVER STORY

THE LEGACY OF THE MAXECO BOOT FROM LEMAITRE Lemaitre celebrates 30 years of Maxeco by asking the question – is this South Africa’s most beautiful shoe?

or 30 years, Maxeco has helped build a nation with the world's this forward, culminating in a signed licensing agreement for Lemaitre Ftoughest workforce. Across construction sites, mines, farms and safety footwear.” factories, almost 10 million pairs have helped realise the dream of a “We started building the team and Eldon Fortmann joined us on stronger South Africa by protecting the millions of workers who built it. the manufacturing side and spent three months in France working Now that’s a beautiful thing. with the Lemaitre international team. Mike Mallett joined as sales Every legacy has to start somewhere. For Lemaitre and their manager and we went to market looking to speak to the workforce iconic Maxeco boot, it began some 30 years ago when the brand was introduced to South African shores. It’s a story based on the recollections of the Innovation Manager at the time, Cedric Novis. Cedric has given his blessing to re-tell his version of the history behind this groundbreaking safety boot. “In the late 80s Bagshaw Footwear successfully bid on an 18 station dual density direct injection machine at an auction in Babelegi, even though we had very little knowledge on dual density footwear. We had a very strong range of military footwear, but now had to consider how best to utilise this machine. After much consultation it was agreed to introduce dual density to the safety footwear market – a first in South Africa.” “We decided that we needed to manufacture under licence, and contacts at the SABS pointed us in the direction of a French company who had expressed interest in the South African market. It was during the first half of 1990 that we initially went to Lemaitre, in Strasbourg, and met with the MD and owner Jean-Michel. Over lunch meetings we built up a good rapport with him and started looking at how to take

18 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 “We decided to position the brand as European styled, technologically advanced and comfortable. It was a great campaign and something that the industry had never done before. It worked and the workforce started to demand the Lemaitre Maxeco which was the only model we launched. You could have them in any colour you wanted, as long as it was black or tan.” “It’s contributed to an inclusive “The focus on the people actually wearing the boots is still economy for all our people. And it central to the Lemaitre brand in South Africa today. In hindsight, we introduced the right product at the right time at the right price and has been on the frontlines of the managed to launch possibly the most successful selling safety shoe of all time in the South African market.” nation’s industries, protecting those And hence the Lemaitre Maxeco was introduced towards the end who are strengthening South Africa. of 1990 – the first ever locally produced direct injection dual density PU sole on a safety footwear style. From such humble beginnings Has any boot done more to build the Maxeco has since become the number one sold safety footwear our country?” style in the history of our country. It ushered in the era of dual density safety footwear, and is still the most popular style of sole in the safety footwear industry today. That’s no small feat. Lemaitre’s new campaign celebrates the widespread effect of with the premise of ‘Why you deserve to wear a better safety boot.’ 30 years and millions of pairs of Maxeco serving South Africans. This was largely based around the superior comfort and durability It’s been there to help build the country and its people. It’s created dual density soles can offer. At the time, the safety footwear market jobs through local sourcing and manufacturing. It’s contributed to an utilised single density PU styles; the benefit of dual density PU allows inclusive economy for all our people. And it has been on the frontlines for a denser, harder outer sole for durability, and a less dense, softer of the nation’s industries, protecting those who are strengthening midsole for comfort and cushioning.” South Africa. Has any boot done more to build our country.? ▄

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 19 PROJECT PROFILE

DYNAMIC GLASS TOWER WITH SOARING WING-LIKE FAÇADE 35 Lower Long, an elegant 86-metre glass-clad office tower, has recently been completed which will invigorate Cape Town’s emerging financial and hospitality district. The building, developed by Abland Property Developers and designed by dhk Architects, is characterised by a singular sculpted massing which is transformed via dynamic glazed planes that extend seamlessly over the office and parking levels. The two main corners of the building are chamfered towards the roofline and soar upwards, forming a striking wing-like effect – resulting in a distinctive, non-orthogonal addition to Cape Town’s skyline.

he site is located in Roggebaai (Cape Town’s growing financial southwestern corners. While fundamentally a solid building mass, the Tand hospitality precinct) and was previously occupied by an appearance of a dynamic, non-orthogonal sculpted mass was created eight-storey 1980s office building which prior to that was part of the via tapering or cranked façade planes which extend seamlessly over now-demolished Long Street Power Station site. While the peninsula the office and parking levels. This was achieved by chamfering both site has three street frontages and the public domain experiences high the southeast and southwest corners of the building at the top of the levels of pedestrian traffic, it previously suffered from extremely limited orthogonal parking base and widening them towards the roof. The street activation. This was compounded by the last remaining portion technique articulates the façade and defragments the solidity of the of the demolished power station (Site B), hostile frontages of both the corners of the building as the wings shape the elevations and extend 80-metre office building to the south and dilapidated office building to past the top office floor. By extending the wing-shaped façade screens the east. A fundamental component of the design concept involved beyond the roof level with parapet sloping, the appearance of soaring maximising the activation of the street edge with retail to improve the shards is created opposed to an abrupt utilitarian termination. quality and safety of the public realm, as well as to take advantage of In terms of materiality, a glazed façade was selected due to the high levels of pedestrian traffic passing the building. its flush and sculpted reflective form which is able to conceal both The initial brief to remodel and extend the existing 1980s building the parking levels and solid spandrels. Not only does glass facilitate were discarded due to impractical core design, the limitations of an exciting play of light but it allows for an expressive articulation adding floors, the need to replace an outdated façade and challenges of the building mass in the screen and shard-like elements. The with long-term viability. The revised brief, by the co-owners Ellerine introduction of pixilation on the portions fronting the parking levels, Bros and Abland, was to offer a more positive medium- to long- ceiling voids, structure and internal desk height upstands allows the term viability, as well as to enhance Cape Town’s skyline with a building to conceal both the parking levels and avoid overbearing decidedly taller, inspirational tower building. However, the challenge horizontal bands. was to maximise the quality multi-tenant commercial space while The entire length of the street frontage along Lower Long Street accommodating core components such as lifts and stairs along with and Jetty Street is enlivened with new ground-floor retail and multiple structured basement parking – all within a relatively small floor plate. entry points into the office building. At street level, a double-volume To maximise the floor plates, dhk proposed a simple singular entrance connects to shuttle lifts connecting all parking levels and the orthogonal massing bar the articulation of the southeastern and ground floor to a spectacular arrival experience within the 10th floor

20 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 sky lobby. Thereafter, individuals are transported via a double-volume area and terrace to the office lifts which connects to all the floors above. This ensures mid-building activation and an experience for all users to enjoy as part of the arrival journey into the workspaces – encouraging interaction between different tenants. Internally, the building offers expansive 360-degree views over the city, ocean and mountains. The glazed façade allows for floor- to-ceiling unencumbered vistas enhanced by glazing with mullions at 2,4-metre-wide centres. The chamfered corners also offer oblique views which facilitate the appreciation of the architectural form both externally and internally – a desirable design aspect often not apparent in tall buildings. Furthermore, the multi-purpose roof area with terraces above both chamfered corners offers a spectacular city entertainment space and signifies high-level activation. From an external viewpoint, the perimeter desk height upstands provide ease of furnishing right against the perimeter with fire separation between the floors, therefore, the office furniture is concealed when viewed externally. The immediate neighbour to the north and sharing a common boundary is a nine-storey 1980s building which has the potential to be redeveloped in the future. Rather than merely providing an unsightly blank common boundary façade, dhk articulated both northern corners by returning the glazing around onto the common boundary. This is sacrificial in the sense that the neighbour could in future build higher against the common boundary. It also offers spectacular corner northern views towards Cape Town’s harbour. The solid wall concealing the stair core is pixelated with coloured plastered panels, echoing the glazed façade’s articulation. Fortunately, the client championed environmental sustainability. To achieve a 4-Star GBCSA Design rating, a detailed environmental performance modelling study was undertaken. This required a high- performance double-glazed specification with increased internal cill height raised to desk height – to reduce both solar gain and radiant heat which significantly lowered HVAC requirements. Other environmental considerations included building efficiency, choice of materials, energy-efficient lighting and services, lower parking ratio encouraging the use of public transport, as well as showers and bicycle parking facilities. Overall, 35 Lower Long is a much-needed contemporary addition to Cape Town’s skyline which positively contributes to its surrounding cityscape. Pierre Swanepoel, dhk partner and lead architect on the project, says “With its sleek, sculpted form and soaring-shaped facade, 35 Lower Long is an exemplar of how client requirements can be met without comprising on design standards. dhk is extremely proud of this building and views it as a catalyst for future developments to come in Cape Town’s CBD." ▄

PROJECT TEAM Owner/Developer: Ellerine Bros + Abland Property Developers Architecs: dhk Architects Quantity Surveyor: Du Toit Pienaar Quantity Surveyors Structural Engineer: Aurecon MEP Engineer: Eckon + Converge Consulting Development Manager: Abland Property Developers Project Manager: Abland Property Developers Main Contractor: Stabilid Cape Construction Interior designer: Entrance & Office Lobby Areas – dhk

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 21 BUILDING

WATERFALL RETAINS WORLD’S BEST TITLE During the online virtual Grand Finale of the International Property Awards which recently took place, Waterfall Management Company not only scooped the regional title of Best Mixed-use Development in Africa for the Waterfall development for the seventh year running, but was subsequently also crowned winners of the Best International Mixed-use Development 2020/2021 for Waterfall.

his is the fourth consecutive year that Waterfall has beaten Management Company of the Waterfall land and has been working Tformidable competitors to the top spot of the world’s best with developers and investors since 2004, to create the largest mixed-use development. This year’s nominees included mixed-use mixed-use development in Africa. Built on the core values of Locality, developments from the UK, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Australia, Vietnam, Infrastructure, Safety, Sustainability, Technology, Amenities, Vitality Russia and Turkey. Entries were judged based on criteria ranging from and Social Development, Waterfall has become synonymous with design layout, architecture, services and security, to sustainability, being the ideal place to work, stay and play in the heart of Gauteng. innovation and marketing. Not even half complete yet, Waterfall still has over 1,6 million The International Property Awards, now in their 28th year, celebrate square metres of Gross Leasable Area (GLA) to be developed, the very best projects and professionals in the industry across 60 ensuring future sustainable growth of this state-of-the-art smart city. residential and commercial categories. Awards are split into four By completion in 2027, it is estimated that the Waterfall development sectors namely, Architecture, Development, Interior Design and Real will combine 28 000 residential units housing approximately 80 000 Estate, across nine regions covering Africa, Asia Pacific, Arabia, people, with about 2,5 million square metres of GLA for commercial Canada, Caribbean, Central & South America, Europe, UK and the and office space, accommodating a further 95 000 people. The USA. Over the past year, a panel of over 100 independent expert development also continues to play a key role in creating job judges studied and assessed thousands of entries from 115 countries opportunities along with contributing substantially, in terms of rates to finally arrive at the World’s Best winners. and taxes, to the City of Johannesburg. Willie Vos, CEO of Waterfall Management Company, said; “Congratulations must be extended to everyone involved in the “Retaining the title of Best International Mixed-use Development development of Waterfall, including my fantastic colleagues, all in what can be considered a challenging period due to the global our role players, partners, shareholders and individual residential pandemic, is humbling. Each year sees our team and partners set investors, on this achievement. even more ambitious goals for Waterfall where we all strive to take The dedicated passion, commitment and hard work that goes bold steps towards rolling out this innovative, world-class smart city into accomplishing the vision of Waterfall is astounding. I am not to the benefit of all who live, work and visit here. A fourth consecutive only proud but also grateful for the opportunity to be part of this international win is certainly a testament to our continued efforts in this incredible team. With big plans already set for 2021, we look forward regard, making us feel honoured and proud.” to the year ahead and the continued success of world-class Waterfall,” Waterfall Management Company is the Property and Asset concludes Vos. ▄

22 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 GROWING NORTH WEST PROVINCE’S GREEN POWER MAP De Wildt Solar, situated within the Madibeng Local Municipality, close to the town of Brits, in the North West Province, announced its commercial operation on 23 January 2021, having achieved Facility completion.

his 50 MW PV project is the fourth utility scale plant that has be committed to implementing Enterprise Development initiatives. Tcome on line, in the North West, in under five months, helping to The first beneficiary, a brick making facility called Moagi Women make this Province a serious player in the renewable energy sector. Development Primary Cooperative, in the Mmakau community, All four projects are 100% South African-owned and don’t only deliver received support during the project’s construction phase. much needed power to the country’s national grid, but also provide A shaded working area was constructed for the co-op, to create a benefits to the local rural communities through impactful economic resting space for the women who work in the tough outdoor weather development programmes. conditions. This shaded working area has also created a space for “Resident of Brits, Mmakau, Mothotlung, Lethlabile, Ga-Rankuwa the co-op workers to set-up their machinery, which was donated by and surrounding areas within a 50 km radius of the project will be other donors. the direct beneficiaries of the Economic Development projects over The overarching focus of the programme is on small and micro the next 20-year operations period. These projects will include enterprises, designed to enhance growth. To deliver on this objective, training and accelerator programmes, skills development training and the establishment of a local resource centre, for use by local SMMEs other welfare initiatives,” Nomzamo Landingwe, Chief Community and communities at large, will support this drive to aid development, Operations Officer for De Wildt Solar. whilst the provision of accredited skills training will be provided to One of De Wildt Solar’s Socio-Economic Development start-up businesses. programmes included the installation of a waterless ablution facility, The 50 MW De Wildt Solar project comprises 169 140 solar for the Rutanang HIV Care Centre. modules that draw from the intense North West sun, producing Rutanang HIV Care Centre is situated in the area of Mmakau, enough power to satisfy the needs of around 84 000 average South close to De Wildt Solar. This community health centre provides much African households. The solar plant is expected to feed 123 GWh needed support and services to hundreds of community members, per year of much-needed green electricity into the country’s national including primary school children. power grid, via Eskom’s Zolograph switching station. It is part of This NGO assists the community with HIV testing and counselling, the government’s renewable energy independent power producer education around chronic diseases and also assists the local clinic procurement programme (REIPPPP), which launched a decade with handing out of Chronic Medication in the community. The ago and has successfully procured over 6,4 GW of independent waterless ablution facilities from Enviro Loo were installed to replace clean power. the use of old drop toilets, which are generally unhygienic and Around 400 people from the local beneficiary communities were sometimes unsafe. directly employed on the project during construction. This is in The focus of De Wildt Solar’s Economic Development programme addition to the employment created through the contracting out of is to empower and strengthen local beneficiary communities with various services. a focus on education, as well as youth development, health, food De Wildt Solar is owned by African Infrastructure Investment security and welfare. The programmes have been chosen following Managers (AIIM, a member of Old Mutual Alternative Investments) research and engagement to ensure that they are well informed and through its IDEAS Fund, Reatile Solar Power (RF), Phakwe Solar will strengthen the beneficiary communities. (RF), AREP (African Rainbow Energy and Power) and Cicada Additionally, a percentage of the revenue generated each year will Community Trust. ▄

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 23 BUILDING

INNOVATION CAN PRODUCE AFFORDABLE STUDENT HOUSING

South Africa is facing a chronic student housing shortage. While universities across the country search for ways to provide affordable accommodation, preconceived ideas about what student housing should cost is preventing major advancements. To ensure the next generation of students is adequately provided for, it is vital for universities and developers to change the way they think about student housing – this starts with the cost. By John Schooling, Director, STAG African

he Department of Education has acknowledged that at least the cost of building materials by 10%. IBT is a green alternative to T300 000 beds are required to accommodate the nation’s students. bricks and mortar buildings that uses lightweight steel structures, Lack of accommodation has been directly linked to higher failure manufactured off-site. This cuts on-site building time by up to 30%, and dropout rates for first year students. Affordable, quality student as the construction team is only assembling pre-made components, accommodation is critical for the success of not only individual instead of building from scratch. students, but the country as a whole. This is a crisis of affordability, Our patent pod design, which houses eight students per pod, which can in part be addressed by reducing the cost of providing is designed with quality and affordability in mind. Every component a student bed. of the pods, from light switches and window fixtures to floor and Current pricing to build student housing on campus is estimated at wall designs, has been designed once-off in-house. This approach R320 000 per bed, which can increase to R550 000 when taking land saves time for architects and engineers, who only need to implement costs into account. While this figure is not wrong, it is excessively high. exiting elements, instead of designing new components per project. This amount can be reduced by examining the cost of each line item By limiting personal interactions, the pods are also pandemic proof involved in the development of student housing – including material – ensuring that they can stay inhabited and operational even during costs, construction costs, professional fees, and the cost of money uncertain times. – and asking how they be reduced without compromising on quality. With the completion of a 2 047-bed student village at the Overall, our research has shown that the cost of building new housing University of Fort Hare – the largest student accommodation can be brought down to as low as R260 000 per bed. development ever undertaken by a South African university – and the The first – and easiest – step to achieve affordability is through greenest residence in Africa at Stellenbosch University’s Tygerberg optimal architectural design. This means designing student housing campus, STAG African has demonstrated that it is possible to develop exactly in accordance with the Department of Higher Education affordable student housing that is also world-class. and Training’s minimum norms and standards, without creating any With over 35 years of property development and 10 years’ dead areas or wasted spaces. Sustainable, energy-efficient design experience developing student housing, STAG African has elements, including solar panels, grey water systems and energy delivered more than 5 000 beds across South Africa. Our holistic saving LED bulbs, can also help to reduce operational costs and approach to campus development is guided by principles of environmental impact. community, flexibility, technology, sustainability, innovation, The use of Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs) can reduce affordability, job creation and transformation. ▄

24 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 Smart bolted connections chosen FOR STRENGTH AND AESTHETICS

resented with a structural challenge on the construction of the PKing Edward School Aquatic Centre in Johannesburg, Webber Civil & Structural Engineers chose to embrace innovation and make use of modern connection technology from Peikko. The recently completed project made use of Peikko’s COPRA Anchoring Couplers for a strong and reliable connection between concrete columns and steel roof beams. “Considering the size of the Aquatic Centre, which features various pools as well as changing facilities, the large-span roof needs to be strong and stable without using much of the floor space underneath,” explains Peikko South Africa MD, Daniel Petrov. “Our COPRA couplers transfer tensile, compression, and shear forces through the connection during erection and in the final stage. They require no welding, which means a safer installation process with no labour working with welders at dangerous heights.” Kevin Webber of Webber Civil & Structural Engineers adds: “The junction between the reinforced concrete elements and the structural steel rafters is not only critical in terms of structure but is exposed. We recognise and reward excellence and innovation in the design and needed a solution which was robust, but also attractive and elegant. use of concrete. Unfortunately, the 2021 instalment has since been We struggled to find the right solution but, in the end, Peikko’s postponed, but Petrov says this has not diminished his pride over the COPRA Anchoring Couplers were the obvious choice.” first use of COPRA technology in South Africa. The structural innovation of the project has been noticed by the “Our solutions are being used increasingly in the country, and wider industry and was nominated for a Concrete Society of Southern we look forward to seeing this develop in the coming months,” Africa (CSSA) Fulton Award. The prestigious biennial awards concludes Petrov. ▄

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 25 BUILDING

PHASE 2 OF SOL PLAATJE UNIVERSITY PRECINCT TO BE COMPLETED IN MID-2022 From the initial involvement in 2014, premier infrastructure delivery company AECOM is forging ahead with Phase 2 of the R800-million Sol Plaatje University (SPU) precinct in Kimberley in the Northern Cape. While the current involvement is expected to continue until at least mid-2022, AECOM has been awarded a further contract extension, reveals Toit Scheepers, AECOM Team Lead and Programme Manager.

illed as the largest tertiary education development in post- community upliftment and local procurement. We are putting in place Bapartheid South Africa, AECOM’s role as the principal agent for a legacy that will stand by itself, not only for the students, but for the the client means that they are overseeing 30 projects at present, local community as well,” comments Kevina Kakembo, Candidate from refurbishments to new-build infrastructure, all managed by the Quantity Surveyor at AECOM. 18-strong AECOM team. The biggest challenge to date has been the remote location, which The works are divided into three categories, namely large-, has complicated the logistics of procuring specialist materials and medium- and small-scale projects. The major projects are assigned services. “These are the types of challenges that we have had to to two different teams of architects, engineers and contractors, while manage effectively,” stresses Scheepers. Another major challenge, the rest of the projects also have individual professional teams. There the hard lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, was turned into are six separate teams working in tandem on the SPU precinct and all an opportunity for a breathing space for the team to finalise the design managed by AECOM. evaluation for 12 new projects and carefully plan how to ensure the The project consists of three campuses in proximity, namely: North best collaboration. Campus, which houses the administrative functions, South Campus, “During the stricter lockdown we managed to make major inroads catering for the student residences and sports facilities and Central into the design development process, to the extent that we have Campus, for all the academic functions, including the award-wining already been able to commence with these programmes now that the university library. restrictions have eased.” Scheepers further notes how future proofing The designated SPU Library C004 was the overall winner in the has been additionally incorporated into the entire SPU precinct, for ‘Buildings Greater than Three Storeys’ category for Architectural example, classrooms are now fully equipped for remote learning. Concrete at the 2017 Fulton Awards. The judges’ citation lauded this “It is rare to get a project that embraces the core values of “bold and original project that pushes the boundaries of architectural your business. For us these are safety, collaboration, innovation, and engineering design” for deploying concrete as both a structural anticipation, delivery and dream,” comments Dean Narainsamy, and aesthetic material. Project Cost Consultancy Director. “Education is key to unlocking With Kimberley officially designated as a semi-arid area, AECOM the potential of future generations, and I am proud that AECOM has has been diligent in incorporating the latest sustainability features at played a pivotal role in making this dream a reality.” the project. These range from synthetic surfaces for the sports fields The AECOM team’s commitment, effort and passion to help the to water-saving measures such as artificial landscaping materials for local community has significantly added to the success of this project. the landscaping, making the SPU precinct one of the most advanced “Like any project, we have had to overcome challenges: From design of its kind in Africa. issues to contractor delivery schedules, managing socioeconomic Apart from providing employment for around 1 000 residents, commitments in a difficult environment and the challenging NEC target a specific focus of the project has been community involvement. cost framework contract in Kimberley. Specific targets for local participation, empowerment and skills “Our hard work and dedication are showing as we continue to development have been set in conjunction with the Department of meet and exceed expectations. The development of increasingly Higher Education. economically active and functional communities that are local to “We are training a significant portion of the local workforce and project sites are an integral part of our project delivery plan, and we these are skills that will remain in the Kimberley area long past the are excited to see the local community reap the many benefits of this project’s completion. This ranges from small business development to project,” concludes Kakembo. ▄

26 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 INTELLIGENT ADDRESSABLE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

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Tel: 011-824-7400 Web: www.eaton.com Email: [email protected] BUILDING

NEW SUITES AT CAPE TOWN STADIUM ON SCHEDULE The construction and fitting out of 168 new suites at the Cape Town Stadium by main contractor Grinaker-LTA is on schedule for handover at the end of March. By Blake Wilkins

he R250-m contract awarded on 5 February last year was ”We wanted to continue holding events during the construction Textended as a result of 33 days lost due to the imposition by the period. The most suitable option was to use an ‘outside-in’ approach government of a COVID-19 Level 5 lockdown. Construction work for construction. Two construction sites were strategically placed was resumed on 11 May last year when the restrictions outside on the east and west sides of the stadium to facilitate this. were relaxed. “Materials are lifted into position by crane as construction is taking The total number of hospitality seats will increase to 7 329 from place at a height of 40 m or higher. Two sections of the stadiums the previous 4 532. The stadium’s total capacity will rise to 57 367. façade were removed to allow entry into the stadium directly from The stadium will boast a total of 236 suites of which 206 will be the outside.” field viewing and 26 will be scenic suites. Four pods have been Visagie says the thickness of the slab between levels 4 and added to provide additional corporate space. An expansive business 5 meant that engineers were unable to scan the exact position of lounge will be used as a shared premium hospitality facility for tension cables in the slab. corporates and the general public. It will cater for a further 2 132 “To mitigate risk the engineers decided to revert to the use of hospitality guests. The work includes upgrades to existing suites to hammer and chisel to partially chop out each of the 110 services bring them into line with the standard of the new suites. holes in the existing slab before reverting to core drilling. The holes “The finalisation of stadium naming rights is imminent,” says were needed to allow access of services to the newly constructed stadium CEO Lesley de Reuck. “It is more than likely to be Western areas above level 5. Province Rugby who will become the primary tenant for a period “We also found there were slight variances between the ‘as-built’ of 99 years. drawings and the actual building structure. This was not unusual The stadium upgrade project came after a long drawn-out considering the technical nature of the existing structure. Shop legislative and regulatory process to secure business rights that drawings had to be redone to include specific variances before allow the stadium to embrace commercialisation. various elements could be manufactured. The building project comprised the construction of two additional “An intricate challenge that has been successfully achieved is the suite levels above the existing four levels on the east and west ends integration of the newly installed high technology systems with the of the R4-bn stadium. existing systems. These include the building management (BMI), Louw Visagie, chief operating officer of the Cape Town Stadium, CCTV camera, fire detection and protection, access control and described elements of the construction project as unique. building monitoring (HMI) systems,” Visagie says. ▄

28 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 GEARED UP FOR A BETTER YEAR

roadbuilding in the country was at its peak,” outlying areas.” Bhoora notes that roadbuilders says Bhoora. “The whole construction sector who are concerned about their carbon footprint is looking forward to the release of more road will prioritise having a commercial supply of upgrade projects this year, especially on the N2 construction material as close to the road and N3 national highways.” project as possible. He says there are nine work packages This will reduce emissions from the trucks expected to be released by the road authority, transporting the material. With AfriSam’s which could together add up to about commitment to quality and environmental R40-billion in contract values. AfriSam has management, he emphasises that customers recently been active in the Watt Street can always be assured that their construction Interchange Project in Wynberg near Sandton, material will be compliant and to specification – where it provided almost 9 000 m3 of readymix irrespective of location. AfriSam’s construction materials executive, Avi Bhoora. for concrete works. This contract included two “Road contractors look to AfriSam for large, challenging concrete pours of over solutions to two important aspects of achieving ith some important road contracts 550 m3 each. a quality road: modification and stabilisation,” Wsecured for 2021, AfriSam is well placed It has also been busy in KwaZulu-Natal, says Bhoora. “When contractors must deal with to bring more capacity on stream as and including a bridge upgrade in the Bus Rapid lower quality material on site – with high clay when there is an upswing in South Africa’s Transit (BRT) project at Inanda Road and content and plasticity index (PI) – this generally roadbuilding sector. interchange upgrades in Westville, Richmond needs to be modified with the use of lime.” This is according to AfriSam’s Construction Road and Camperdown. This means that higher quality – or ‘bluer’ Materials Executive, Avi Bhoora, who says AfriSam’s strategy for the future includes materials from the underlying rock layers the company will be supplying construction gearing up for more rural work, in addition to its rather than from the overburden – may require material to the significant road upgrade from traditional focus on urban centres. additional strengthening through stabilisation. Lynnfield Park to Dardanelles, south o “This means becoming more flexible and AfriSam’s Roadstab cement is a popular f Pietermaritzburg. mobile in our operations,” he says, “such as solution, with its 32,5 classification in terms of “The construction materials market is converting equipment to a modular format that the SANS 50917-1 standard. It is manufactured now only about a third of its 2012 level, when can be readily moved to and operated from at the company’s Dudfield and Ulco factories.▄

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 29 BUILDING

OXFORD PARKS PHASE 2 Oxford Parks is a focal point along Oxford Road in Rosebank. On completion, this site will house five buildings on a master basement structure. The buildings were designed to complement each other, and their respective footprints fit together in a jigsaw puzzle configuration, proportionately occupying the site to optimise the usage of this prime precinct.

xford Parks Phase 2 is a testimony to meticulous coordination on forms a portion of the new Parks Boulevard, the new spine road of Othe part of Concor to ensure the concurrent construction of the the Oxford Parks precinct. Both Building 3 and Building 5 face onto different buildings would run smoothly. This entry focuses on Phase 2 Parks Boulevard, presenting the contractor with an added challenge of the project that includes the simultaneous construction of Building that requires careful planning of sequences for access of the various 2 – Life Healthcare’s new 10 000 m2 head office, Building 3 – a construction vehicles on this newly constructed cantilevered road. 4 000 m2 multi-tenanted building housing inter alia Metier Private Another challenge for the contractor was to optimise usage of the Equity and G+D Currency Technology and Building 5 – 3 400 m2 three rental tower cranes that are on site at the same time. A special offices for Arup and Sony Music. resource-linked crane study was conducted optimising materials Concor was well positioned to take on the challenging construction handling activities for the crane rental. of Oxfords Parks Phase 2 that commenced in February 2019 after their successful completion of Phase 1 in 2018 which houses the new Corporate Social Investment head office of BP Southern Africa. During Phase 2 of the project, the contractor involved the Alexandra Forum by bringing on board local SMMEs. In-house business training Construction innovation technology was provided to them on how to manage tenders, financials and While all the buildings have a conventional reinforced concrete on-site operations. This skills-transfer initiative serves as an slab and column design, special sustainable concrete mixes investment in their sustainability, empowering them to successfully allowed for early stripping of formwork. This allowed the efficient bid for future projects. rotation of formwork kit and materials ensuring continuous production In addition to the empowering initiative, subcontractors from to accommodate the fast-paced construction programme on a project Alexandra community are employed on the site. The majority of of this scale. tradesmen employed on site are bricklayers, plasterers, painters and Building 5 has a unique fitted curtain wall installation with tree cleaners from the local area which ensures that the local business patterns. This not only presents well as an external façade but community benefit from the construction in their area. also doubles up as a solar shield to reduce air conditioning Concor, together with the client Intaprop, has scheduled a requirements and the use of blinds inside the office space. This renovation project at St Vincent School for the Deaf in Rosebank. application creates a forest-like graphic, enforcing the urban green The scope of the project comprises roof renovations and general theme of Oxford Parks. maintenance of the buildings, for completion by the end of this year. Buildings 2 and 3 also have performance-glazed façades that provide added benefits in terms of energy usage of the Design innovation buildings during the operational phase. The curtain walling systems All the buildings have a modern theme with many natural finishes from are also easier to install and require much less façade scaffolding stone façade cladding to recycled timber decks, textured during construction. paint finishes, and big glazed façades that allow natural light into The first level of Building 3 extends onto a cantilevered slab which office spaces.

30 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 The hard and soft landscaping of the outdoor podium area was An external consultant was appointed to compile a comprehensive specifically designed to create a natural environment for the end Environmental Management Plan. Environmental audits were carried user ensuring a harmonious blend of business, life and leisure. out during the construction period and consistent compliance with the The Oxford Parks precinct is also designed to accommodate Environmental Management Plan was maintained. all parking in sub terranean basements, creating an exceptional All precinct buildings are constructed to be compliant with Green public environment which is pedestrian friendly and offers a safe Star design requirements. Building 1 in Phase 1 was Green Star high street retail environment. registered and awarded a 5-Star Green Star rating. All specifications Each building has its own shape and characteristics that add to on the project are in line with Green Star requirements and the the overall design feel of the precinct. These features include the buildings in Phase 2 will also be Green Star registered to achieve patterned façade on the Arup building, stone cladding and curves on 5-Star Green Star ratings. the Building 3 together with the louvered pergola on the 4th floor and Waste management systems align to maximise waste recycling the inclined shaped façade cladding and curtain walling on Building 2. from waste generated on the project. Construction work of 6 Parks Boulevard (also known as the Arup State-of-the-art HVAC systems were installed in Building 2 building) started in February 2020. Initially designed as a three-storey and Building 5. The energy saving, efficiency and sustainability structure with the ground floor dedicated to retail space, these plans features included an air-cooled system to eliminate water usage. were modified to the requirements of the tenants, Arup and Sony. Other features which were specifically designed for environmental This resulted in another slab being added to accommodate a private awareness included: entertainment area, as well as recording studios on the fourth level. • Primary variable flow pumping to reduce chilled water pumping The structure on this rooftop level mimics the design shape of the energy building, but with a smaller footprint, thus occupying only about 50% • Distributed digital control allowing central time control, comfort of the available rooftop space, which allowed the creation of a roof- monitoring and load control under standby conditions top entertainment area in the centre of the precinct. • Linear diffusion at areas of façade with high solar loads to isolate In addition to this amendment to the original plan, a double the solar loads before they become a radiant heat comfort issue lift shaft arrangement was incorporated into the modified design Building 3 was fitted with a VRV system. This multi-split type air- to ensure that the added level will only be accessible to conditioner uses variable refrigerant flow control to provide authorised visitors. tenants with the ability to maintain individual zone control in each room and floor of the building. It must also be noted that Environmental Impact Consideration designers endeavoured to use as much locally available materials Being in the heart of a prestigious business and residential precinct, for the construction of the buildings, also benefitting the local the Oxford Parks development has to be a low-impact development. communities and South African economy as a whole.

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 31 BUILDING

Health & Safety and policy implementation, the contractor has ensured it was ready Concor has an excellent team heading health and safety on site to start again on site once the lockdown restriction relaxation allowed in conjunction with ComPrac, the client’s safety agent. Visible Felt construction to commence on 1 June 2020. Leadership from the entire production and safety team ensures that Implemented daily scanning points, wash stations, social contractors, subcontractors and tenant contractors execute work distancing measures, signage and continual communication have safely at all times. Weekly walks are conducted in all the buildings to enabled Concor to get the construction activities back on track from ensure compliance and any digressions are addressed immediately. day one after the restrictions were removed. Creating a strong safety culture is always a challenge on This was a particularly challenging period, but through Concor’s bigger projects with a large number of subcontractors but Concor’s commitment to its values, one of which is care, the contractor is still commitment to its Stop.Think.Act initiative has seen active producing an upmarket and modern product while demonstrating care involvement becoming a trend on site. towards all parties on site. A new concept has been introduced on this site; labourers are shown a picture and are asked to identify unsafe or potentially Quantifiable time, cost and quality hazardous practices and to suggest corrective action. This method of Programming, costing and quality aspects of the project are interactive discussion is proving to have great impact when used in managed on a daily basis and regular meetings are held between conjunction with traditional safety instructions. staff, subcontractors, professional teams, senior management and the On average, there are 350 workers from 22 different contractors client in different forums to ensure the project remains on track. on site and this increases as tenants start with their fit-out activities. Monthly cost and project reviews focus on risk and opportunities, The construction team has worked in excess of 700 000 hours on and include a strong focus on costs to ensure the project stays the project to date. They have worked over 350 000 hours targeting on track. 500 000 hours incident free by the time they hand over the last Weekly planning meetings, including schematics of progress, form building for this phase. a key for all stakeholders to understand the progress and to ensure The COVID lockdown added a new level of challenges and anxiety completion of the project on time. This is critical as tenants end their to the construction industry and to date, through early preparation current leases and need to move into their new office. Any disruption

32 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 to this process by finishing late would not be acceptable. Huge emphasis is placed on information flow from consultants to subcontractors. Much time is spent understanding drawings and communicating special details to all involved and to address queries raised on unclear items through the “request for information” process. Quality plays a major part in the execution of this project and progressive snagging is implemented to ensure that works are checked and signed off as completed by each trade. This practice results in a minimised snag list of items to attend to once the buildings are complete, ensuring that the end user experience is not spoiled by contractors fixing incomplete works once tenants have taken occupation.

Risk management Considering that the COVID lockdown pandemic delayed construction by more than two months, Concor has clearly demonstrated its agility value by completing the buildings in, or close to, the originally contracted completion dates. During this period, Concor ring-fenced long lead manufacturing items and key focus points with the client, subcontractors and suppliers. These pro-active interventions ensured all materials were delivered on time allowing subcontractors to finish off when the client required the areas for tenants to take occupation. These measures also ensured the contractor could mitigate most of the additional costs due to the COVID-lockdown period, ensuring practical completion (PC) dates are achieved as per the contract. Both Sony and Arup engineers have taken occupation of Building 5 which was completed on time. Significantly, the contractor managed to meet the time schedule and still include additional items required that were added as the project progressed. The first and second tenants in Buildings 3 took official occupation on 1 September 2020, a week earlier than the extended practical completion date of 9 September 2020. Again, testimony to Concor agility and commitment to meeting project targets. Tenant installation in Building 2 started on 10 August 2020 with all other floor level handovers on track with overall building practical completion on 2 November 2020. This date, which was extended due to lockdown delays, will be achieved through client assistance, professional team assistance, identifying risks and dealing with these before they occur, dedicated resources and time management on the buildings. ▄

PROJECT INFORMATION Client: Intraprop Start date: February 2019 End date: November 2020 Main Contractor: Concor Architect: dhh/GLH Principal Agent: Morta Project Management Quantity Surveyor: Gro2 Consulting Consulting Engineer: Pure Consulting

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 33 CEMENT & CONCRETE

ENSURING SUSTAINABILITY Construction World spoke to Njombo Lekula , MD of PPC Southern Africa about how PPC is confronting the realities of sustainability in a COVID-19 era.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced PPC? industry and the creation of much-needed jobs. With R100-billion COVID-19 has given us an opportunity to reflect on how we Infrastructure Fund now in operation in the country, we remain support our employees, stakeholders and communities where we optimistic about our South African business. In the interim, PPC has operate. Our contributions and efforts to empower the community to seen a significant improvement in its retail business following the first experience a better quality of life have been focused on providing lockdown. This choice to buy 100% local and 100% quality products sustainable support. Responding to local needs fundamentally from PPC gave us the opportunity to showcase the full capabilities brought to the fore by COVID-19, PPC as part of its ongoing CSI of our operations while increasing the value we bring to projects. initiatives continued to support the community in the fight against Government road projects have also played their part. While we COVID-19 through mobile clinics. are pleased with the gains made thus far, it is unfortunate that the Working closely with local authorities, the four mobile clinics, with transport and bulk loading strikes and power outages have had a a pick-up trailer that is used for medication across Gauteng, continue negative impact on the gains we have made. Cement is a technical to be available for testing and general healthcare. Our impact-based product, we remain a partner to the sector that is ready to make use approach to contributions across the business has enabled us to of our technical expertise to innovate and advance the development ensure that the total investment of R6,5-m (R3,5-m in Tshwane and of projects through our national footprint. R3-m in Johannesburg) which was made in our FY20 in mobile clinics, offer the relief in COVID-19 screening and testing the country How has the pandemic influenced the way in which mostly needed. PPC does business? We are humbled to have the partnership with the Tshwane The global pandemic has worked to strengthen our resolve to Department of Health. Working closely with them, the nurses and provide 100% local products developed by us while supporting local support staff required to improve access to healthcare in the province; companies and partners. The economic and operational challenges we are encouraged to know these clinics will continue to provide a that existed before the pandemic were brought to the fore in lasting impact during this pandemic and beyond while increasing March 2020. The ailing economy and market conditions that already access to basic health services. existed worked to accelerate the process of restructuring which started before COVID-19. The pandemic prevented us from honouring Are you seeing a recovery now that the construction our colleagues who left the business during the lockdown. Some industry is operating again? of these individuals had been with us for more than 40 years and it Infrastructure projects will lead to the revival of the construction saddens us to not have had the opportunity to physically celebrate

34 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 them in a manner that is synonymous with our 128 year journey. lock down. This was due to the fact that the business continues to We believe in the collective development of our sector thus ensure its operations are well taken care of while our employees we have continued in our efforts to provide support to industry, remain focused providing 100% quality products to the market. retail and construction sectors by adding sustainable value and While PPC recognises the gains received through retail during convenience through SMME sector. PPC’s commitment to ensuring COVID-19, it is not a sustainable investment case as it relies heavily that SMMEs are well placed to meet the anticipated demand for on disposable income. The gains were influenced by the reduction quality local bricks in South Africa’s construction industry has in the interest rate, availability of money from social grants and the allowed them to contribute to the sector in Gauteng, Limpopo and two months spent at home that allowed us all to review how we can Mpumalanga. Having worked closely with the industry to realize improve our homes to ensure social distancing. For this reason, we modest changes in how its operational choices impact sustainable continue to engage stakeholders and government in addressing the growth, PPC has handed over six machines to six of its long- danger we face due to the lack of support from/for the local industry standing SMMEs in Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga collectively and our ability to bolster future investment capacity. valued at R1,8-million during the pandemic period. The machines continue to add to our efforts to advance the need for improved How will you ensure the sustainability of PPC? education around the impact of substandard/cheap products; while We continue to engage regional leaders in technical, sales growing their business. and marketing to ensure we were in a position to service the As a business we are celebrating the opportunity we have had market while observing all necessary COVID-19 protocols. While to engage government through the ITAC on the matters impeding driving business continuity in an uncertain environment remains the recovery of the economy. Having successfully demonstrated our challenging, we are humbled to have a team and partners who are ability to provide 100% local and quality cement, we are pleased willing to navigate these uncharted waters with us. to announce that cement is now gazetted. This goes a long way We remain optimistic about our future on the continent as it towards ensuring that we protect our local economy from remains the final frontier. In line with the infrastructure development imported cement. projects in the pipeline across the continent, we remain committed to ensuring we provide 100% local and 100% quality cement and What are the realities that PPC has been faced with materials. Working closely with our partners and government to during the last year? address industry concerns, our footprint combined with our ability Over the past year we have taken a closer look at how we support to support infrastructure projects remains an integral part in the our employees as the pandemic has had an impact on their morale sustainability of our business. and state of mind. We are concerned as the general feeling of helpless that the pandemic has brought into the business has What measures have been put in place to ensure such impacted our employees at home as well. While we work to find sustainability? innovative ways to directly and indirectly support them, we remain Private-public partnerships have created engagement opportunities clear on the fact that our people are at the center of our business. It through ITAC, SAFCEC and the MBSA. This has enabled us to is their continued passion and committement to excellence that has become better equipped to be part of industry collective voices, enabled us to exist for the past 128 years. thereby giving us the opportunity to play our part in the development PPC has remained true to its commitment to sustain the and empowerment the local economy. economy by paying our employees and suppliers throughout the Our efforts have enabled SMME development in the sector while pandemic. Through their support we have discussed and developed creating opportunities for employment. This has resulted in the solutions that empower them while giving PPC an opportunity to growth and development of communities through engagement with continue to live its brand promise, 'STRENGHT BEYOND'. We micro-enterprises. In an efford to ensure the continued growth of are pleased to report that our efforts to engage the industry and our SMMEs, we have entered into a partnership with the Gauteng government on the impact of imports and substandard cement has Department of Economic Development (GDED) to explore the resulted in partnerships aimed at advancing the local agenda. economic development of township based SMMEs. Forming part Ensuring we run a sustainable business continues to be a of government’s broader efforts with the private sector to broaden priority for us, irrespective of the unstable market conditions. We efforts to address the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment continue to support all efforts to keep the economy going without and inequality through the support of township black-owned SMMEs compromising the developmental agenda. While the reduction in in construction and logistics sectors. Partnerships like this form part infrastructure spend was a cause for concern, we are optimistic of the business’ ongoing efforts to improve access to education and of government’s committement to making this spend available. training. Our team focused on providing a scientifically formulated This enables us to empower the community to experience a better product that is tailor-made for varying conditions that come with quality of life while ensuring we do our part to provide safe housing. building across the country. Through our fit for purpose products, we remain a partner for cement and materials solutions that will stand Are all the production facilities for PPC operational? the test of time. We have relooked at how we make the best use of our operations to ensure we are well placed to meet the needs of the market. As an What will PPC look like in two years from now? optimistic business we continue to look for ways to make the best We are optimistic about our business, our team and partners. use of our national footprint to ensure construction projects continue PPC in the next two years will be a better PPC than today through to get the best in 100% locally manufactured cement and materials. the continued support of our competent leadership, board and We have made the decision to not bring all of our units into employees. We remain encouraged by our customers who continue operation because a decision to switch on units must always be for to demand more out of our fit for purpose products as they make a sustainable reason. Through our three mega plant strategy, which use of our innovative technical support. we have implemented since 2018, we remain focused ensuring the We are all committed to being the best operator in cement sustainability of the business. and materials business across the continent. It is for this PPC was able to bring plants into operation within two or three reason that we have we have collectively intensified our weeks when demand for our products increased after the initial hard efforts to create this reality.▄

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 35 HVAC

FIRM LOCAL BASE SETS UP AFRICA GROWTH

to date has been very successful, achieving Level 1 B-BBEE status and with Zest WEG developing its local investing heavily in training and structure and supply chain, while working enterprise development. to world class standards and supported by It helped that WEG is a member of the WEG innovation.” BRICS Business Council (representing As an example, he notes that Zest Brazil), so it has over the years been able to WEG today achieves almost 90% local engage with South African authorities about content capability for its transformers and local content requirements and industry more than 70% local content capability development opportunities. for other products such as E-houses and “Our business – both in Brazil and South panels. These products form part of the Africa – has put our weight behind economic company’s wide range of solutions, including empowerment and transformation, focusing stablishing a strong local manufacturing electric motors, drives, switchgear, energy heavily on local suppliers and local skills,” Ebase in South Africa has been integral to generation, electrical infrastructure, he says. Zest WEG’s success over the past decade, and generator sets, with different levels Zest WEG’s investment in human capital building the economy and providing an of localisation. exceeds the portion of payroll demanded important springboard into Africa. This locally developed supply chain by B-BBEE in local training. Among other This process has aligned closely with the delivers various benefits to customers, says initiatives is a bursary programme, and it will strategic approach of Brazil-based parent Vargas. These include short lead times, as shortly employ its third electrical engineer organisation WEG, which prioritises its there is little reliance on Europe, China or the from this scheme. member companies’ capability, efficiency US for parts and components. Vargas highlights the powerful launchpad and innovation on a local level, according to “The impacts to our market are that this groundwork has created for growing Juliano Vargas, CEO of Zest WEG. considerable, and we have more the company’s footprint in Africa, where it “This has required considerable predictability and control of our supply chain,” also applies its local development philosophy investment in our local production capacity he says. The company has embraced South by partnering with in-country Value Added and skills base,” says Vargas. “The outcome Africa’s commitment to transformation, Resellers (VARs). ▄

36 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR THE SA CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Construction World spoke to Andrew Kietzmann, Sales Director of Sky Shot Climate Solutions about the HVAC products it offers the South African construction industry, particularly its thermal energy storage systems that optimise the operation and performance of chillers and heat-pumps. This system is ideal for the current load shedding and skyrocketing electricity tariff climate.

is a thermal energy storage system by Phase Change Material (PCM) encapsulation. The STL system is composed of one or several tanks filled with spherical elements (called nodules) containing the PCM. The use of PCM in nodules provides very high energy density and power exchange. CRISTOPIA has unique expertise in PCM, resulting from over 30 years of R&D in partnership with universities and technical centres in France and Europe. “In layman’s terms,” says Kietzmann, “these nodules are frozen at night when electricity is cheapest and when there is excess load. The chillers are then turned off, and the stored energy from the frozen nodules is used for cooling. We use pumps to circulate water around the balls during the peak hours of the day when CIAT air-cooled chiller as would typically be used to generate the cold water required to freeze the nodules in the tanks. For a normal chilled water installation, this same electricity is at its most expensive and when chiller would be approximately 30% larger. the probability of load shedding is high. A large generator is therefore not needed to power an ky Shot is a customer focused and quality driven company with entire plant, such as a data centre. One just needs it to power the Sdedicated staff, and is focused on developing, producing, trading pump that flows the water through the tank that houses these nodules. and delivering high quality HVAC service levels. “The privately- This system uses power when it is at its cheapest – it is what is called owned company has been operational since 2006 and imports air load locking and prevents customers from reaching costly energy conditioning equipment from various countries including France, peaks,” explains Kietzmann. China, Turkey and Italy. The company specialises in the installation, The size and characteristics of the tanks used are defined in terms maintenance, servicing and repair of all air conditioning equipment for of the site and the cooling requirements. Such tanks can be cylindrical large commercial buildings such as hospitals, shopping centres, hotels or rectangular. Cylindrical tanks can be installed inside, outside and big office parks as well as process plants,” says Kietzmann. or underground. It is the preferred service provider and importer of four chilled water In addition, this systems saves money as chiller plants are smaller brands: CIAT, CRISTOPIA, UNTES and Aerolique. “We have about which means less chiller power is needed to cool it while the system 80 staff and back up all the equipment that we supply from offices becomes a thermal battery that contributes to the cooling load. in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and Mauritius. Sky Shot has Smaller chiller footprints save valuable plantroom space, freeing up a well established a service department to ensure preventative and space for other services. It also reduces the size of transformers that corrective actions. We have a large spares department which holds are needed onsite. spares for all of our equipment – about R2,5-million rand of spares,” The imported products are adapted to the South African context. says Kietzmann. “We will adapt options on the units, at our factory located at our head office in Johannesburg,” concludes Kietzmann. ▄ Thermal energy storage “Sky Shot specialises in chilled water systems and offers the ADVANTAGES OF THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE CRISTOPIA thermal energy storage system. This chilled water solution is our biggest differentiator for the construction industry and • Reduction of the chiller capacity by 30 to 70%. it also got us through the difficulties of load shedding and lockdown. • Peak shaving of the cooling demand over 24 hours. We recently completed various projects in Sandton, Menlyn and • To shift electricity consumption from peak hours to off- Irene where our system was successfully used,” says Kietzmann. peak hours. This technology enables companies to significantly reduce energy • Reduction of the electricity power by 30 to 70% on the consumption while companies can install chillers that are up to 30% cooling production. smaller than would normally be used, further saving companies on • Reduction of the electricity costs and the operating costs. capital expenditure. • Making the electricity consumption profile more attractive CRISTOPIA is a world leader in thermal energy storage and is a for operators. subsidiary of the CIAT Group. The CRISTOPIA STL (latent storage)

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 37 FORMWORK & SCAFFOLDING

KUWAIT'S FIRST IN-SITU CANTILEVER BRIDGE PROJECT

The Nawaseeb Road in Kuwait forms an important part of the country's national infrastructure, providing a strategic, logistical corridor to neighbouring Saudi Arabia. In delivering a solution for the highway bridge section, Doka has helped provide Kuwait with a landmark achievement; its first, in- situ cantilever bridge. As a full-service provider, Doka supplied an all-in-one solution, which included 3D planning, Cantilever Forming Travellers (CFT), and formwork instructors' support to ensure a smooth, fast and cost-effective process.

ection RA217 of Nawaseeb Road, 2 000 m² of Large-area formwork Top 50 components of the CFT had to Salso known as Route 40, is one of were used on both the main bridges and be continuously adjusted. Various Kuwait's most important infrastructure and ramp bridge at interchange five. In total, hydraulic cylinders and other integrated transport projects and is part of the Kuwait approximately 825 tons of Doka material was functions allowed for an easy adjustment Development Plan 2015-2020. Covering a used during this process. process without using chain hoists or stretch of 37 kilometres, the development additional workforce. includes the reconstruction and expansion Minimal parts kept erection of the highway into a six-lane dual times to a minimum Safety first through slide carriageway (three in each direction) with Using Doka's Cantilever Forming Traveller, bearings nine interchanges and three bridges, with the the client was reassured by its high- The Cantilever Forming Traveller uses ultimate aim of improving access and safety performance precision and how its modular special slide bearings to allow safe and on the roads by eliminating U-Turns and components enabled it to adapt flexibly and controllable shunting while preventing replacing them with roundabouts at quickly to the bridges' varying geometrics. unwanted movement along its longitudinal all interchanges. Thanks to the system's ergonomics and gradients. Thanks to this feature, the As a unique challenge to the project, a small number of separate parts, the construction team's safety was ensured in Doka was required to find a casting solution construction process was optimised, every phase of the project through fully- for the two main bridges, including pier-to- meaning a shorter construction schedule enclosed working platforms and an integrated pier spans, which at their longest measured to reduce cost. ladder system at all levels. 110 m each and a total combined length of Speaking on behalf of the Arab 940 m, as well as one ramp bridge with a Contractors Mohamed Dackrory, Deputy Formwork for pier heads and maximum span of 95 metres between piers Executive Manager said, "In using Doka's temporary supporting towers and measuring 893 metres in length. In doing Cantilever Forming Traveller solution, the Besides the Cantilever Forming Travellers, so, 300, up to 250-ton casting sections were project benefited from having an all-in- Doka also provided the formwork for the pier required to deliver the project successfully. one solution that was easy for our site heads which measured up to 20 m in height, teams to use while remaining flexible in 12 m in length and was erected onto Load- Planning, formwork systems terms of versatility for the project's varying bearing towers d3 with Large-area formwork and formwork instructors from challenges. Given the complexities of this Top 50. one source project, we were reassured by Doka's Due to the restrictions of existing gas By combining Doka's expertise in planning, extensive experience and expertise in bridge pipelines, the piers' location was predefined, practical engineering and delivery, Doka used construction and were very satisfied with our resulting in different spans that led to an its internal, digital planning tools to design the partnership". inbalance in construction delivery. To support right solution for the project, which included the bridge deck during this phase, Doka detailed designs that helped accelerate Adjustments made easy with UniKit towers were used to safely transfer up the planning process, while providing the hydraulic cylinder to a maximum force of 3 800 kN to restore client with an overall visual representation Due to the limited space available on-site, balance to the process and ensure the safe of the project. In addition, a 3D model was hydraulic cylinders were used to strip the delivery of the piers. developed with DokaCAD for Revit to give inner wall formwork. As the bridge deck Doka Formwork Instructors supported more precise visualisation of the CFT system. geometry was required to be reduced at on-site delivery by ensuring that the formwork In total, six Doka Cantilever Forming every casting step as part of the agreed was used effectively and that the operations Travellers, supplemented with approximately planning process, the formwork and ran smoothly from start to finish.▄

38 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 SHOPPING CENTRES

THAVHANI CITY SET FOR MORE GROWTH IN 2021 Thavhani City mixed-use urban precinct in Thohoyandou, designed to be the future economic hub of North Eastern Limpopo, is poised for exciting growth in 2021.

he rollout of the Thavhani City precinct baby clinic, general practitioner, psychologies, Tdevelopment masterplan by Flanagan physiotherapy, biokinetics, occupational & Gerard Group and Thavhani Property therapist, audiologist, among others, will be Investments is rapidly gaining critical mass, and available to the community at the hospital. the new modern CBD will continue to expand Gerard also confirms that discussions with a this year. Thavhani City is being developed private healthcare group are well advanced for organically in response to demand as more and a 300-bed hospital at Thavhani City. more businesses recognise and capitalise on Developed and co-owned by the Thavhani the advantages of this exceptional location. City partners and JSE-listed retail REIT Vukile In a pioneering move, an agreement has Property Fund, the award winning Thavhani been struck with industry-leading NTT Motor Mall, which opened in 2017, is designed to be Group for a flagship 2 700 m2 Toyota dealership the catalyst for the Thavhani City development. and service centre, which will open at the end It is fully let and continues to attract an enviable of 2021 and anchor the new Thavhani City line-up of retail brands. Motor City. The mixed-uses of the precinct are Paul Gerard, MD of Flanagan & Gerard, enhanced by the community amenities already says, “Many are surprised to learn that there is in Thavhani City, including transport terminals, a complete scarcity of motor dealerships and an outdoor gym that is open to the public, service centres for the people of Thohoyandou and the state-of-the-art, all-weather, floodlit, and its surrounding towns and villages. The synthetic grass fields of Fives Futbol. It is new Thavhani City Toyota dealership will also the home-base of the Vehmbe District change this. We already know that the local community radio station launched by comedian community will welcome it because it meets a and presenter Ashifashabba Muleya, Choice genuine need and significant demand in this FM. Future development elements planned also important regional centre. We can also confirm include hotels, offices, and more value retail. that we are in discussions with several other Local businessman Khosi Ramovha, of major brands to join the Motor City, which Thavhani Property Investments, says, “The will be a 20 000 m2 hub of dedicated motor Thohoyandou community has a very bright dealerships, service centres and parts retailer.” future as the home of an innovative property The NHC Hospital in Thavhani City is in development that contributes to enhancing the the final phases of construction and due to be region. Thavhani City has established a pivotal completed in the first half of this year. role in its community and, by developing out the The 3 500 m2 day clinic will employ 30 precinct, we are further strengthening its value medical professionals and 30 general staff in and appeal. an environmentally innovative building that It has big benefits for community includes solar energy and backup power employment, retail services and the local generation. The NHC Hospital will provide economy, but also gives businesses a prime valuable medical services to the community. A position on the doorstep of a very attractive nursery school, radiology, pathology, dialysis, market indeed.” ▄

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 39 STEEL CONSTRUCTION

A leading fabricator OF SPECIALIST STEEL STRUCTURES

.I.S Engineering is a leading Cfabricator of specialist steel structures. As such it manufactures an impressive range of products ranging from power line support structures through to mining process plant structures and large and complex building structures. Established in 1998 as Central Information Services, the company was restructured into C.I.S Engineering in 2007 and forms part of the STRUCTA

40 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 group. It employs 83 permanent staff and is a Level 1 broad-based black economic empowerment contributor. C.I.S Engineering is located at 8 Firestone street, Vanderbijlpark, in Gauteng, and its premises covers an area of 35 100 m2. The plant houses dedicated modern manufacturing equipment and full three-dimensional computer-aided design capabilities, with all in-house designs approved by professional engineers. In addition, C.I.S Engineering’s plant includes a computer numerical control (CNC) drilling line and two CNC angle iron workers, as well as various automated submerged arc welding stations and a super length bending brake, 13,5 m in length. This site also houses sister company Structa Profile, which boasts a state of the art 50 m high-definition plasma cutter bed with three beams and eight plasma heads including 1 robot head and a 13 m x 3 m laser cutting facility. • Southern African Institute of Steel Construction • C.I.S Engineering’s wide range of products include: • Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa • Electricity transmission and distribution line support structures • South African Institute of Welding • Communication towers • The Powerline Association of South Africa • Complex and large span building structures C.I.S Engineering contracts completed in South Africa and • Mining and chemical process plant support structures Swaziland, include: • Installation of structures with accompanying civils • Three monopoles projects valued at a total of over R26-million and foundations • IPP projects valued at R52-million C.I.S Engineering is certified to ISO 9001:2015 and is registered with • A substation steelwork project valued at R4-million the following institutions: • A process plant project valued at R47-million • Hot Dip Galvanisers Association • Large span warehouses valued at R10-million ▄

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 41 EQUIPMENT

CERTIFICATION ACCORDING TO STANDARD ISO 14001 After a comprehensive environmental management system was built, Hamm AG was certified according to ISO 2020 14001 at the end of November 2020. This will help the company continue to improve its environmental performance in the future, reduce emissions even further and save resources.

Environmental protection is vital Service providers are also audited Hamm AG has been working on building an environmental The measures relating to ISO 14001 certification also include regular management system since 2018. Two positions, among others, staff training on avoiding waste. The disposer must also demonstrate were created as part of this – an environmental management their competency. Marcus Rahm explains that, "since the beginning representative and an energy representative. "Protecting the of 2019, we check or audit all companies that dispose of our waste, environment is vital for us. This applies both to our operations as a paint residue, oil and other substances requiring careful handling. manufacturing company, and to our products. It goes without saying This shows we take seriously our responsibility for maintaining a that we therefore comply with the statutory regulations. We have also clean environment, including beyond the limits of our plant." identified further potential for improvement through our environmental management system in order to reduce our use of resources and Environmental management system according energy consumption, and to limit our impact on the environment," to ISO 14001 explains Hamm director Dr Stefan Klumpp regarding the roller ISO 14001 is an internationally applied standard for environmental manufacturer's environmental policy. management systems. Companies with ISO 14001 certification must This has been a part of the Hamm philosophy for many years. As set goals to reduce emissions, save resources and minimise risks. a result, the administration building has been heated and cooled via Once the goals have been formulated, measures are developed a geothermal energy system, that is to say, using renewable energy to achieve them. Companies must also ensure that they comply

from the soil, since 2013. This allows Hamm to reduce CO2 production with statutory and other regulations. A legal register is created for

by 60 tonnes every year. CO2 emissions have also been drastically this purpose. Another pillar of environmental management is the reduced in many areas in production. One example is the trainee continual improvement of environmental performance. To this end, project, which systematically identifies and eliminates losses in the procedures, regulations and environmental guidelines in companies compressed air system. Another project was the development of a are continually checked and regularly updated. ▄ special low-solvent, one-layer paint for the drums in cooperation with the paint suppliers. This helped reduce emissions from solvents and similar substances (VOC=Volatile Organic Compounds) wby around 10%. With its ISO 14001 certification, Hamm is highlighting the seriousness of this commitment. What's more, increasing numbers of customers prefer to collaborate with manufacturers that can provide an environmental management system, as this increases their competitiveness.

Continually improving environmental performance In preparing for the ISO 14001 certification, all of Hamm's operational processes with regards to resources, emissions and energy consumption were analysed initially. With its environmental management system, the roller manufacturer will continuously optimise its environmental performance, that is to say, its contribution to improving environmental protection. With this in mind, ISO 14001 stipulates that concrete goals must be set. "In this regard, we will optimise heating in the production halls to enable us to reduce gas consumption, for example. There is also potential when it comes to waste – we plan to reduce the amount of waste per machine by 20% by 2023. There are a variety of measures necessary to achieve this; our logistics, purchasing and production planning teams will be putting these in place step by step," says plant manager Dirk Pressgott, who is responsible for environmental management. Another advantage here – energy- saving measures usually lead to cost savings in the long-term.

Legal register combines regulations Companies that are certified according to ISO 14001 must also create and maintain a legal register. This combines statutory and other regulations. "The register allows us to have an overview of all regulations and to check compliance," explains environmental management representative Marcus Rahm.

42 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

AVOID CONCRETE CRACKING IN DRY CONDITIONS

ot and windy conditions can lead to plastic shrinkage cracking on this result without increasing the bleed. By spraying this evaporation- Hfresh concrete, but CHRYSO® ProFilm 19 can solve this problem, reducing product onto fresh concrete surfaces, the user creates a without the addition of extra water to the concrete mix. continuous mono-molecular film over the concrete, which inhibits the One of the dangers of working in low humidity conditions – even rapid loss of bleed water. inside heated buildings during cold weather – is the rapid evaporation This film lasts as long as the concrete remains plastic, even of surface moisture from the concrete. This can cause map cracking where floating and trowelling operations must be conducted to and plastic shrinkage, where cracks can penetrate to the full depth of create the required surface finish. CHRYSO® ProFilm 19 is a water a concrete slab. based product which is compliant with guidelines on volatile organic According to the American Concrete Institute (ACI), plastic compounds (VOCs). shrinkage cracking of concrete is likely to occur whenever the The effectiveness of the mono-molecular film means that there is evaporation rate is more than 1 kg per square metre per hour. The no need for water spraying on the surface of the concrete in order to ACI highlights that this rate of evaporation can be readily caused by slow the evaporation process. It can be used on a range of horizontal many combinations of air temperature, relative humidity, concrete concrete pours where the evaporation rate may exceed the bleeding temperature and wind velocity. rate of concrete. These applications include industrial floors, roads, As an evaporation reducer, CHRYSO® ProFilm 19 prevents this bridge decks, slabs, patios, driveways and sidewalks. cracking by protecting fresh concrete from the effects of excessive CHRYSO® ProFilm 19 is ideal in concrete applications that produce moisture loss in rapid drying conditions. Furthermore, it can achieve little or no bleed water, such as mixes with low water content. ▄ Client satisfaction central to Ctrack support Because Ctrack’s Central Support Centre is split into smaller departments, clients benefit from the best possible services in its Bureau, Fleet and Technical Support divisions.

track’s Bureau Service is the full outsourcing of fleet control behaviour and optimises travel routes. It also provides vehicle Croom activities, backed by highly proficient hindsight, insight immobilisation, stolen vehicle services and bodyguard/vehicle and foresight data analytics and reporting. escorting duties. Dedicated fleet controllers meticulously monitor vehicle Ctrack Fleet is designed to ensure continued uptime, client movements, incidents, alerts and alarms from its 24/7 support and assistance while taking full advantage of the Ctrack Fleet Central Support Centre and provide real-time support to optimise Management solution. fleet operations. Ctrack Fleet provides weekly reports indicating vehicles that are Its highly experienced fleet consultants interrogate and interpret active, non-active or due for repairs. Weekly contact is made with vehicle data to provide the insights and actions needed for future clients’ control rooms to confirm necessary installations, maintenance cost reductions and operational improvements. By outsourcing these and repairs. The nearest Ctrack branch is then contacted to ensure tasks, you save on cost and are able to focus on your core business. bookings are assigned and completed where applicable. Bureau agents are skilled in investigating and interpreting alarms With dedicated fleet controllers for clients’ entire fleet, it performs or the combination of alarms in order to act swiftly and they are able daily health checks and incorporate fleet management software and to distinguish between primary and secondary alarms for enhanced rich fleet analytics in Ctrack Fleet. client safety. Regular training ensures you receive the best possible service and Ctrack technical support response times. Empowered with knowledge, Ctrack agents respond Ctrack Technical Support consists of dedicated staff who are appropriately to recovery activations or medical emergencies. responsible for vehicle and driver setups and the creation of vehicle Strict security measures are also in place. It does not give out profiles and business groups. This team creates cost centres, personal information to anyone and its clients’ movements and performs unit testing, schedules reports and sets up and manages personal information are always secured. message forwarding. Furthermore, Ctrack employees are subject to regular security In addition, Ctrack Technical Support provides software usernames screening to ensure that your assets and personal safety are never and passwords, handles technical and software queries, sets compromised. Its agents are also subject to daily, weekly and monthly up points of interest, geozones, waypoints and no-go areas with quality checks. appropriate alarms. Ctrack has mastered the art of reducing risks, through accurate By utilising the best software available, combined with a fall back alarm monitoring and quick recovery response, nationally and across system in case of GPS signal jamming, it is able to give total peace borders. There is always direct and continuous feedback between of mind. Since it actively monitors rollover and severe G-forces, Ctrack agents, recovery teams and the client. our agents are able to determine when an accident occurs before The bureau service can be adapted to suit the operational dispatching emergency services, should you be unable to. needs of each client and is supported by a thorough service And because Ctrack has 24/7/365 access to EVAC24, its clients level agreement. can rest assured that all it takes is a phone call to dispatch the closest ambulance and have your employee taken to the most appropriate Ctrack Fleet hospital for treatment. Ctrack Fleet includes 24/7/365 fleet monitoring, emergency response Ctrack’s Central Support Centre means clients’most precious and the provision of panic and tamper alarms. It monitors driver assets remain Always Visible. ▄

CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021 43 PRODUCTS & SERVICES

NEW TRAINING ACADEMY LAUNCHED FOR BOTSWANA FM PROFESSIONALS

FMS Botswana Academy is to equip and train future Facilities Manager professionals as the country recognises the importance of well-maintained buildings and infrastructure as part of its Vision 2036.

acility managers in Botswana wishing to expand their skills base South African accreditation with Services SETA and SAFMA Fcan now do so in their own time, country and currency thanks to • Disaster Risk Management (NQF Level 5) South African the launch of the new FMS Botswana Academy, the country’s first accreditation with Services SETA and SAFMA private Facilities Management (FM) training provider. • Procurement and Contract Management (NQF Level 6) South FMS Botswana will be offering various short courses online African accreditation with Services SETA, SAFMA and Quality in association with Afroteq Academy, one of the leading training Council for Trades and Occupation (QCTO). providers for the FM industry in sub-Saharan Africa. Established in Courses are hosted on the interactive and secure BraineBox 2000, Afroteq Academy is endorsed by the South African Facilities online platform that offers 24/7 assistance in the form of videos, Management Association (SAFMA), the Quality Council for Trades & tutorials and online support. Delegates have one month to complete Occupations (QCTO) and the Services Sector Education & Training each module once they have successfully enrolled and commenced Authority (SETA) and is ISO9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certified. their online studies. In order to eliminate international banking fees, The company has become known for equipping, empowering all rates are quoted in Pula (P) and payment is made into a Botswana and developing the industry thanks to its ability to provide bank account. practical, relevant and cutting-edge training courses aligned to the “Facilitated sessions are scheduled for a few hours per day ISO41001:2018 standard that can be quickly and easily adapted to for the duration of the training programme. During these suit their clients’ individual needs. sessions, subject matter experts will go through the technical Portia Tsakane Mkhabela, Afroteq Academy Manager, aspects of the training programme as well as respond to any queries explains that the decision to launch FMS Botswana was taken in that delegates may have. Because they are practicing facilitators response to the country experiencing a growing demand for quality who hold (or have held) senior management roles in various accredited Facilities Management training programmes – specifically business portfolios, they are able to offer delegates valuable insight short courses. and guidance in dealing with the day-to-day FM challenges,” Portia “Botswana is currently working towards accomplishing its Vision explains. She adds that these sessions will be recorded so that 2036 – a national plan of action that will transform the country from delegates can refresh their memories by referring back to what was an upper middle-income to a high-income country by the year 2036. discussed in the virtual space. In order to accomplish this ambitious and transformational agenda, it Facilities Management is recognised as a key enabler to needs trained and experienced facility managers who are capable of developing a country’s wealth because it delivers important strategic executing the development and maintenance of various new building and operational drivers for job creation, new businesses, foreign projects,” Portia says. investment, and skills/ career development. As the Botswanan Although FMS Botswana Academy will initially focus on offering economy continues to advance and grow, so too does the need for short courses, they are hoping to soon be expanding their service properly trained facility managers who are able to provide services offering with more course options that are not only aligned to such as maintenance and repairs, building design, space planning international standards but have also been adjusted to specifically and project management in a manner that is sustainable, timely suit the country’s unique needs and regulations. Afroteq Advisory is and cost-efficient. currently in the process of registering the skills programmes with the “We are hugely encouraged by the Botswanan Government’s BQA for accreditation and will be commencing with in-person (what recent invitation to private institutions to form partnerships that will is in-person training?) training courses to Botswana companies and allow it to move away from a 'piece-meal' approach when it comes to international companies who have offices in this country as soon as the maintenance of its public buildings. There is no doubt in our mind COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. that the FMS Botswana Academy will play an important role The first three training programmes that FMS Botswana are in developing these valuable skills that will continue to yield results currently offering are: and serve the Botswana community for generations to come,” • Principles and Practices of Facilities Management (NQF Level 4) concludes Portia. ▄

44 CONSTRUCTION WORLD MARCH 2021