HOUSINGMAY 2014in Southern Africa

Settlements

Infrastructure

CORNUBIA R25BN • WATERGATE ESTATE • TINDERWOOD VILLAGE

Trailblazing deal IHS & ESKOM

www.fnb.mobi/smartbond

THE TEAM

ED’S NOTES

AVERAGE CIRCULATION(THIRD QUARTER 2013)

3777

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HOUSINGin Southern Africa

EDITORCarol Dalglish housing@crown.co.za

PUBLISHERJenny Warwick

ADVERTISINGBrenda Grossmann brendag@crown.co.za

DESIGNColin Mazibuko

CIRCULATION

Karen Smith

READER ENQUIRIESRadha Naidoo

SUBSCRIPTIONSWendy Charles

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March 2014

They want to meet the peo-ple, talk and get to know the people; they want to visit the

homes of the people – and they are welcomed into the homes of the people! I understand how they feel. South Africans are warm and our de-mocracy has literally opened doors.

I wonder how many of us – when contemplating the transition and transformation that has occurred in South Africa – reflect on how we, as individuals, have changed. We have come to know so much more about the people around us – and we have come to know more about ourselves.

It was a privilege to be there when democracy started in 1994 – and it is a privilege to be here to cast our votes 20 years later.

******This month, in Housing in Southern Africa…

The City of Cape Town is spending a massive amount of funds on infra-structure and housing. It has really made a huge effort to attract private sector investment and has targeted developers in the hope of fast track-ing projects by offering development contribution, deferral debt write-offs; and development application fee exemptions. Read more on page 4.

The South African Property Own-ers Association, according to CEO Neil Gopal, aims to tackle the City of Polokwane’s general valuation roll. Of the most pressing problems are the illegal land use, illegal trading and the fact there is no valuer to determine rates on commercial properties. Go to page 6 to find out more.

At Cornubia, an integrated mixed use development on KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast, a partnership between Tongaat Hulett Developments and provincial and national government will roll out 28 000 housing opportuni-ties. President Jacob Zuma recently handed over 482 subsidised houses in the 100 ha estate. Read more about KZN’s jewel on page 8.

Nicholas Nkosi, Standard Bank’s Head of Affordable Housing, aims to grow the bank’s housing book for low income earners to R24 billion by

2015. So far, the bank has funded over 94 000 bonds. More on page 12.

A R100 million investment deal between global private equity funder, International Housing Solutions and our national energy supplier, Eskom, will provide 20 000 housing opportu-nities. This is good news for develop-ers who provide housing for the FLISP and Gap market, and details can be found on page 15.

John Loos, First National Bank’s Household and Property Sector Strategist, says that there has been an increase in the number of first time buyers. The FNB Estate Agent Survey Property Barometer shows that first time home buyers have saved the required deposit and many have researched the market. With buyers more educated about the process, they now shop around to find out what is required to qualify for a home loan and the costs. Loos offers some suggestions to contain interest rate hikes, on page 18.

See on page 19 how FNB was recently voted the ‘Best Home Loan Provider’ in the Intellidex Bank of the Year Survey 2014.

Our South African insurance in-dustry replaces 250 000 geysers each year; an Australian smart energy management company, carbonTrack, has started manufacturing an energy solution in South Africa. Read more about the SABS approved system on page 21.

******Here’s to the next 20!

20 years on…I recently heard an interesting interview about tourism. The interviewee was discussing how tourism has changed in South Africa. He said that when tourists are taken to Soweto – or into other townships – they are no longer interested in simply taking ‘happy snaps’.

Carol Dalglish • Editor

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CONTENTS

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40May 2014

NEWS Ed’s Notes

Tinderwood Village

Investment for Atlantis

Valuation Irregularities

Cornubia – KZN’s R25bn Jewel

Watergate Estate

Levy Recovery Process

Standard Bank’s R24bn Book

The Epic

HOUSING Trailblazing Deal between IHS and Eskom

Global Affordable Housing Report

Increase in Number of First Time Buyers

ENERGY Privately Owned Utilities

Smart Energy Management

DOORS, WINDOW, FLOORS & WALLS Totally Floored

Preventing Dry Rot

Stoneflow’s Specialised Concrete Finish

CEMENT & CONCRETE Precast Cladding

CLF Management Buy Out

BRICKS & PAVING Terraforce Products for India

Perfect Green Material

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT & TRANSPORT High Pressure Washers – Debunking the Myths

INFRASTRUCTURE & MIXED USE World Design Capital

Cities of the Future

INDUSTRY BUZZ, EVENTS & PRODUCTS New B-BBEE Codes

www.afrisam.co.za

May 2014

News

The Silver Leaf Estate comprises fourteen phases that will roll out 981 housing opportunities.

Kairos Holdings has been tasked with marketing Tinderwood Village, which

offers a mix of single and double sto-rey homes as well as two and three storey walk-up units. The units vary in size from 40m² to 80m². The hous-ing configurations maximise the use

of space in the complex to create as much green communal space as possible.

According to Gavin Vickers of Kai-ros Holdings, each phase will have its own swimming pool and clubhouse. The units are priced from R399 000 to R799 000, including VAT and transac-tion costs. Finishes include: tiled floors, carpets (optional), a fully fitted kitchen, and carport.

Once completed, the entire com-plex will be fully walled and the main gate security will be put in place. In the meantime, each development will have its own perimeter fencing and an access controlled gate within the development as well as ample communal parking.

The developer also intends to negotiate with the local municipality to have a boom controlled security entrance to the entire complex.

The development offers easy ac-cess to the Sybrand van Niekerk High-way and is within close proximity to schools and retail shopping centres.

Vickers says that there is a demand for three bedroom two bathroom units. Most of the buyers fall within the Gap market, which includes gov-ernment employees such as teachers, nurses and police officers.

“We envisage those people who buy the smaller one or two bedroom units will be able to sell and buy larger units within the same estate as their needs change,” he explains. 

Vickers says that rentals average between R4  800 to R5  000 for two bedroom units and R6 500 to R8 000 for three bedroom units.

This means that buy-to-let inves-tors will most likely cover their bonds from day one. Kairos expects a capital return of 10% per annum.

For further information email: gavin@kairosholdings.com ■

Tinderwood Village, a 67 unit sectional title development in the Silver Leaf Estate, Albertsdal in Alberton, will be developed by Rand Leases Properties and Rand Leases Securitisation.

Tinderwood Village

The City of Cape Town’s Hostel Transformation Programme aims to reconstruct and up-

grade 99 hostels in Gugulethu, which provides accommodation for 4 000 households. The city is currently conducting a feasibility study and the tender process will follow.

In Phase One, seven hostels as well as temporary relocation areas will be upgraded, reconstructed and new units built in Gugulethu Sections 2 and 3. The project will be rolled out during the 2016/17 financial year.

“Although we are at the beginning of a long process we are very excited about the Gugulethu programme,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor. Construction of the first Hostel Transformation Programme under the Human Settlements Direc-torate’s Community Residential Unit (CRU) programme kicked off in Langa last month. The Old Depot site forms part of Phase One, 463 units will roll out over the next two years and a further 1 320 within five years.

Hostels get upgraded

Tandeka GqadaHistorically, some of the hostels were built by private companies on city land in order to accommodate com-pany employees during the migrant labour system. When the system was abolished, ownership of the hostels reverted back to the city. A number of them are situated in Gugulethu Sections 2 and 3. The City’s Hostel Transformation Programme consists of an estimated 12 000 units that will ultimately be upgraded or rebuilt in Langa, Gugulethu and Nyanga.  Some of the existing hostels in Gugulethu will be converted into two and three bedroom apartments. ■

May 2014

News

So far, the uptake of the electric-ity tariff subsidy for intensive energy users such as manufac-

turing and light industrial businesses is in excess of R3,8 million. This has enabled businesses to ride out eco-nomically tough times without reduc-ing the number of their employees.

The city’s focused effort with its partners has enabled economic development in Atlantis to remain on track. The Investment Incentive Scheme was approved by Council last year and aims to boost job creation

in an area where almost 50% of the residents are unemployed.

“The scheme will ensure the suc-cess of other economic development initiatives that have been planned,” says Garreth Bloor, Mayoral Commit-tee Member for Economic, Environ-mental and Spatial Planning. 

In a further bid to attract potential investors, the City Town has intro-duced Development Application Fee exemption; fast tracking applica-tions; and a development contribu-tion deferral/debt write-off that has

been capped at R1 million per invest-ment, for businesses that create a minimum of 50 permanent, full-time jobs within two years. “Currently, we are negotiating with a major interna-tional investor, a Spanish company that aims to invest R300 million at its new wind turbine factory. This will create 220 job opportunities at the Atlantis Green Technology Park,” says Bloor. “The success of this area depends on partnerships between the city, the community and the pri-vate sector,” he concludes. ■

Investment for Atlantis

The City of Cape Town’s Investment Incentive Scheme in Atlantis has already had a positive impact on the impoverished area.

May 2014

The record number of entries highlights the importance of sustainable construction in

emerging markets as well as a growing awareness amongst young profes-sionals and university students.

Compared to previous cycles, the largest increase in participation was registered in Africa Middle East and the highest volume of entries came from Asia Pacific.

All fully-completed entries will now undergo a formal check by Berlin-

Since the effectiveness of mu-nicipalities across South Africa requires commitment from

both the public and private sec-tors, municipal relations form a key part of SAPOA’s mandate from the commercial and industrial property industry.

“Although we are tackling illegal land use, illegal trading and eco-nomic development initiatives, the legality of the development of the City of Polokwane’s 2014/2015 gen-eral valuations roll is arguably our most pressing concern,” says SAPOA Regional Council Chairperson, Sumari Ridder.

Legally, municipal rates policies must comply with the Municipal Rates Act of 2004.

Furthermore, policies take effect when the valuation roll is prepared and it must accompany the annual budget for the financial year under review.

In Polokwane, according to allega-tions made by SAPOA members, there are no approved rates policies for the municipality and submissions made by SAPOA suggesting the double-rating of illegal property use were disregarded by the City. “A valuer was appointed in September 2013 to update the roll by the end of January 2014 and there is still no rates policy

in place to support it,” says Ridder.After being alerted to these con-

cerns by the Limpopo Regional Coun-cil, SAPOA CEO Neil Gopal immedi-ately contacted the City’s Municipal Manager and Chief Financial Officer.

“We appreciate the willingness and the commitment of both offices to understand our concerns and find ef-fective solutions. The office of the CFO has been especially helpful in find-

ing a resolution to the concerns we raised, including clarifying whether or not the valuations roll was subject to public par-ticipation and inspection,” says Gopal.

SAPOA has requested a copy of the Government Gazette No-tice showing that the valuation roll was published as required by law. But SAPOA’s involve-

ment goes far beyond immediate valuations issues, and extends to

tackling illegal land use, illegal trading and local economic development planning.

SAPOA is closely in-volved with the City’s Il-legal Trading Task Team,

which monitors the sale of illegal products on the street

and advises on bylaw enforcement. But perhaps the most important role that SAPOA plays in Polokwane is being part of the Local Economic Development Forum (LEDF). This is a collaborative body that provides a platform for discussing economic initiatives between private, public and non-governmental organisations.

“We see our involvement in these initiatives, either on a regional or national basis, as paving the way for a healthy and successful property market in Polokwane in the future.” ■

Valuation irregularitiesThe South African Property Owners’ Association (SAPOA) is seeking a solution to valuation irregularities in Polokwane.

6 000 entries for HolcimThe US$2 million International Holcim Awards competition for sustainable construction has attracted 6 000 entries.

based architecture and urban design consultants, [phase eins]. Valid entries will be presented to an independent jury panel in the region where the project is to be constructed (or where the project was conceptualised for the category). 

The results for each region will be announced separately: on September 5 for Europe, September 19 for North America, October 3 for Latin America, October 17 for Africa Middle East, and November 14 for Asia Pacific.

The Holcim Awards recognises inno-vative projects and future-oriented concepts, and are conducted in paral-lel across five regions. The broad range of submissions includes: ‘Main’ category projects, which are at an advanced stage of design, and the ‘Next Generation’ cat-egory, with visions and ideas across architecture, building, civil engineer-ing, landscape, urban design and infrastructure, as well as materials, products and construction technolo-gies. This is the first time in the history of the competition that there are an equal amount of projects in both categories. ■

News

www.acdc.co.za

May 2014

President Jacob Zuma recently launched the new integrated housing project in Ottawa,

north of Durban, which will provide 28 000 mixed income housing unit opportunities, light industrial facto-ries, retail parks, clinics, two primary and one high school. It will cost the government R25 billion over a period of 25 years.

“A total of 15 000 units will be par-tially subsidised or fully subsidised RDP houses,” said the President, at the handover of 482 RDP fully subsidised houses in April.

The project will create 48 000 new sustainable job opportunities and a further 15 000 during the construction phase. President Zuma emphasised that residents of Cornubia would be linked to the new state-of-the-art Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system. The routes link Cornubia to surrounding

economic nodes such as Umhlanga, Phoenix, the Dube Trade Port and King Shaka International Airport, which is 7km from the development. 

Residents from surrounding infor-mal settlements, including Blackburn, Stoneybridge, Ridgeview and transit camps in Clermont, were amongst the first beneficiaries of the fully sub-sidised RDP units.

Construction of the next phase is currently underway. This will provide a further 2 100 homes at a cost of R560 million. Mobile clinics will provide residents with health care services in the interim. 

The Cornubia Project forms part of government’s initiative to integrate so-ciety by delivering decent housing and improving the lives of South Africans.

Almost 100 ha has been set aside for commercial, retail and light indus-trial space, which will create employ-

KwaZulu-Natal’s R25 billion coastal jewel, the integrated and mixed use development, Cornubia, is the result of a public-private partnership between Tongaat Hulett Developments, the National and Provincial Departments of Human Settlements and the eThekwini Municipality.

Cornubia - KZN’s R25bn jewel

ment opportunities in the area.“Cornubia, said President Zuma, “is

a result of the successful public-pri-vate partnership between the National and Provincial Departments of Human Settlements, the eThekwini municipal-ity and Tongaat Hulett Developments. 

The President told delegates, ben-eficiaries and the media that govern-ment’s 20 year review showed that over 12 million South Africans had benefited from the 3,6 million houses and serviced sites provided since the new democracy. “We congratulate the community on gaining this wonderful development,” he said. ■

News

May 2014

May 2014

Nedbank has committed a total of R180 million for New Age Property Developments to

provide 232 residential units in Portion D of the Watergate Estate. The two bedroom units cost from R369 000 to R469 000. Nedbank Affordable Hous-ing also provided funding for 357 units in Watergate Estate Portions C and B.

Anver Essop from New Age Property Developments launched Watergate Estate – the first privately funded affordable housing development in the Western Cape – forms part of the City of Cape Town’s Urban Renewal

Programme, in July 2009.  The estate is located in an area of Mitchell’s Plain that has recently undergone major development including the upgrade of Mandalay and Phillipi railway sta-tions and construction of a R500 mil-lion hospital complex adjacent to the development. There are a number of other developments including a new R300 million retail centre, service sta-tion, Builders Warehouse and medical suites.

According to Manie Annandale, Nedbank’s Head of Affordable Hous-ing at Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, Mitchell’s Plain is one of the largest townships in the country with a population of a million people generating R100 million spending power per month. He says, “Nedbank

is committed to enabling access to development finance for developers with a track record in the affordable housing sector. Partnering with cred-ible developers such as the New Age Property Development Group enables us to play a critical role in ensuring quality developments that will assist in addressing South Africa’s housing backlog, particularly where demand exceeds supply.”

Annandale explains that by provid-ing funding for affordable housing developments, Nedbank continues to make it a reality for developers to engage in these projects. “We believe the rollout of further affordable hous-ing will have a significantly positive impact on the socio-economic condi-tions of South Africa.” ■

Watergate Estate The next phase of construction at the Watergate Estate in Mitchells Plain, Western Cape, has been given the go ahead following further funding from Nedbank Affordable Housing Development Finance.

News

May 2014

News

Sectional title specialist Michael Bauer, offers an insight into the levy recovery process. If an

owner defaults on levies the body cor-porate should stipulate a date by when the outstanding money has to be paid.

Should the owner fail to bring the account up to date, the body corpo-rate can then take legal action and if the arrears exceed R3 000, the body corporate can ask for a judgement.

First a summons has to be served by the Sheriff of the Court and this is often a lengthy process, which can take from six to nine weeks.

STEP 1On establishing that the levies in ar-rears are not going to be paid by the stipulated date, an attorney will be appointed. From there, within six to nine weeks, a summons will be served by the Sheriff of the Court to the owner of the unit at his registered address, or by default at the sectional title unit, and then within seven to nine weeks of that summons being issued a judge-ment will be granted by court order.

STEP 2After a further four to six weeks, a warrant of execution is served by the Sheriff to attach goods from the owner of the unit, or the owner’s salary, or rental income. This can be attached in

a court order and it takes a further four to six weeks before movable assets can be sold by the Sheriff.

STEP 3If there is a bond on the unit owed to the bank, the owner will be sequestrat-ed and a trustee will be appointed by the courts. This will then be followed by the sale of the insolvent estate by the trustees.

This process can take more than a year to get to the point of a sale and the money being recouped. If there is either a small bond or no bond on the unit, the process is quicker: once the execution sale has been granted by court order, the unit is attached by the Sheriff and then auctioned. It can take up to six months to get to the point of a sale taking place.

Levy recovery processLevy arrears impact on cash flow and the ability of body corporates to meet their financial obligations.

Unfortunately, the body corporate will have to wait for the outstanding amount because of the complexities of the South African conveyancing process.

It can take up to six months for a unit sold on auction to be transferred to the new owner before the levy ar-rears can be settled.

This is based on the assumption that all the processes go smoothly, If there are any complications, such as dealing with a deceased estate, a deregistered company or close cor-poration, then the process can take years to wind up before recouping the amount owed.

Trustees can assist the process and avoid costly delays by having the owner’s up-to-date information for the Sheriff and the attorneys. ■

Despite official assurances that a Services Appeal Tribunal would be appointed in Mpumalanga

before the end of last year, the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) has learned that the appoint-ment has yet to take place.

“A year of hard lobbying by prop-erty developers and correspondence with the Province, has still not yielded any recourse to appeal services contri-butions, despite a legal right to do so,” says SAPOA CEO, Neil Gopal.

“We have no choice but to take the

grave step of escalating this matter to the Office of the Public Protector.” The purpose of a Services Appeal Tribunal is to allow property developers to ap-peal decisions made by municipalities and obtain independent resolution in such matters. He goes on to explain that a Tribunal is critical to deal with resolution of disputes between devel-opers and municipalities. This safe-guards the right to appeal, enshrined in our Constitution. SAPOA was alerted last year when local Mpumalanga members pointed out that for the past

three years there had been no Tribunal in place, despite it being provided for in Section 124 of the Town Planning and Township Ordinance 1986. The Province provided written assurance that the Tribunal would be appointed by the end of November 2013, but no such appointment has been made. Gopal notes that the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act No. 3 of 2000 (PAJA) views failure to act as 'an administrative action' that can be taken to court if all internal process for appeal have been exhausted. ■

SAPOA & the Public Protector

May 2014

With a freehold prop-erty, the buyer has full ownership includ-

ing land and the owner is respon-sible for all maintenance of the prop-erty including taxes, insurance, and utility bills.

In a sectional title development, the administration and maintenance of the common property is the re-sponsibility of the body corporate. The body corporate is comprised of owners, who then elect trustees to handle the day-to-day management. Each owner is responsible for paying a levy, for the maintenance, security and repairs of the complex. This fee will ensure that common ground is maintained, including the roads, en-tertainment areas, gardens, outside walls and outside plumbing as well as insurance on the structure, fix-tures and fittings in the unit. In most cases, a body corporate will appoint a managing agent to run the complex to ensure maintenance and collection of levies.  

There are instances where buyers of freehold cluster units will be re-sponsible for common ground, such as roads and entertainment areas and will pay a small fee for this. Mngadi recommends that potential buyers take the time to look at the audited financial statements of the body cor-porate to ensure that the complex is well managed. This will help to avoid any problems when selling or, in some instances, avoid facing a huge special levy bill after having moved into the unit.

“A sectional title home will ensure that the buyer will not have to worry about any additional maintenance to the property. However, a freehold property gives the buyer the freedom to choose and determine what to do to the property and when,” concludes Mngadi. ■

Sectional versus FreeholdIn South Africa, the majority of properties are sold either as freehold or sectional title, according to Abel Mngadi, Head of New Business a n d S a l e s a t F i r s t National Bank.

The fact that this work has to be done by trustees without compensation makes a good

argument for hiring a managing agent, as the agent will bear most of the work load,” says Mandi Hanekom from Propell.

The Prescribed Management Rules state that should a managing agent be hired, they should be appointed for an initial period of time (usually a year), with a one month notice period from either party, which has to be given in writing.

The managing agent’s duties must be specified in the contract of ap-pointment. These include controlling, managing and administration of the common property, and any other ob-ligations to public or local authorities on behalf of the owners. Usually, the managing agents will also be tasked with collecting the levies each month.

“A managing agent should not be confused with a building supervisor or caretaker. While some managing agents offer a day-to-day maintenance function, this comes at an additional cost. The agent will outsource repairs

or maintenance work to contractors and oversee it,” says Hanekom.

When the decision has been taken to hire a managing agent, there are a few key things to check. The first thing is to determine whether the agent has separate trust accounts for each sec-tional title scheme. “We recommend a separate account,” she says, “as this allows for transparency as each transaction should be available for the trustees to check at any stage.”

Managing agents are governed by the Estate Agency Affairs Board and should hold a Fidelity Fund Certifi-cate, which trustees should request. It ensures that the body corporate has insurance against theft of money, as managing agents deal with levy col-lections each month.

“Generally, if the administration and management work has been done by a professional, the perfor-mance of the body corporate should improve and the financial situation of the scheme should be healthy,” says Hanekom.

For further information email: mandi@propell.co.za ■

Appointing managing agentsWhile it is not compulsory for trustees in sectional title schemes to appoint a managing agent, in medium to large sectional title schemes, the workload involved in managing the financial and day to day affairs can be overwhelming for the trustees.

News

May 2014

South Africa’s leading provider of home loans, Standard Bank has seen its affordable housing

home loans book, for householders earning less than R17 600, grow at 20% year-on-year in both 2012 and 2013.

According to Nicholas Nkosi, Head of Affordable Housing at Standard Bank, one in every three afford-able home loans in South Africa is financed through the bank. Its mort-gage book has swelled from R10 bil-lion in December 2010 to R18 billion at the end of 2013.

Nkosi says, “We are not seeing any slowdown in the lower-end of the market and currently demand still outstrips supply by a long way. However, the fact that financial in-stitutions are demonstrating their willingness to lend to this market segment means that more and more institutions and developers are expressing an interest in catering specifically for the lower end of the market.

This will inevitably benefit our customers and assist them to buy property, which empowers them and

Standard Bank's R24bn book Standard Bank is on course to meet its objective of growing its affordable housing loan book to R24 billion by 2015. This forms part of the bank’s commitment to financing homes for lower income earners, earning less than R17 600 per month in South Africa.

helps them to achieve an important milestone in their lives.”

Standard Bank has funded homes for over 94 000 account holders, since entering the affordable housing market. Nkosi estimates that 80% of buyers in the affordable home loans segment comprise first time home owners, with the majority being women.

“There are a lot of single mothers looking for safe, affordable homes and young single women who are ready to buy,” says Nkosi. “That’s a powerful influencer of why the de-

mographic profile of buyers in this segment is tilted towards women.”

He believes that the Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Pro-gramme (FLISP), launched by the Department of Human Settlements last year, will continue to act as an additional motivator in the affordable home loan market. FLISP is a one off subsidy for first time home owners earning less than R15 000 per month and for housing under R300 000. “We think that the FLISP initiative will help to a certain extent, to counteract ris-ing interest rates and affordability in this market segment,” says Nkosi.”

“We remain committed to assist-ing our customers by financing af-fordable home loans and our goal of growing our mortgage book for this segment to R24 billion by 2015 is tes-tament to that fact,” he concludes. ■

The City of Cape Town’s Electricity Services Department has recently reported that nearly all of the new street lights in Disa Road, Philippi have been vandalised or stolen since being installed four months ago.

The recent spate of vandalism has left only two of the 39 newly installed street lights intact. The R300 000 in-

stallation and cabling formed part of the city’s commitment to providing a well-run city.

“But, we need the support of the community. It is only with their vigilance and assistance that we can effectively ensure that our communi-ties are safe and well-lit,’ said Ernest Sonnenberg.” ■

Philippi in the dark

News

May 2014

The Epic, a new residential de-velopment on Patricia Road in Sandton’s Sandown area, will

provide 96 one-and two-bedroom units, each with a central kitchen, bathroom, lounge and balcony.

Hollow core precast concrete slabs from Elematic SA (ESA) are being used for the suspended flooring on four floors, as well as for the construction of distinctive cantilevered boxes, which wrap around the balconies and give the façade architectural interest.

The architectural design and char-acter was developed by architects, Messaris Wapenaar Partnership, and the protruding cantilevered boxes provided a way to achieve this while still being functional. Gustav Appelgryn of Dalmar Construction, the main contractor, says that while constructing them has been a little more complicated than usual, it has also been an exciting challenge.

The box structures would normally have been constructed using cast-in-situ concrete, but instead Dalmar decided to use ESA’s precast slabs for a number of reasons. “The use of precast slabs speeds up construction significantly as they are pre-designed and manufactured off site, and erect-ed on site quickly, with minimal fuss. This eliminates the need for having formwork on site and eliminates a number of the other trades that would typically have to be involved too,” says Appelgryn.

Once the slabs are installed, con-struction can begin and the quality of the surface finish means that it can be painted immediately.

The design required a little extra thought in order to ensure structural stability on the cantilevers. ESA’s en-gineer, Charles van Wyk, explains that steel beams rather than reinforced concrete beams have been used for the cantilevers, as they were easier to install and could be matched to the depth of the slabs. The hollow

core slabs have been laid on these steel beams and brick infill has been used for the sides. An extra structural beam was required on either side of the bottom of each box to provide an adequate counterbalance to the structural weight of the ‘roof’ portion of the box.

“Dalmar is pleased with the qual-ity of the final product and the speed with which construction has pro-gressed,” says ESA’s Director, Craig Webber.

Dalmar Construction has been in business for 40 years and provides a range of construction services, including land procurement, project planning, cost analysis, project man-agement, property development and

The EpicHollow core precast concrete slabs offer versatility and speed for designer elements in the construction of The Epic, a new multi-storey townhouse development in Gauteng’s economic hub, Sandton.

turnkey construction. As ESA’s first client, Dalmar Construction has given ESA repeat business based on fair prices, good service and high qual-ity products. “ESA has worked with Dalmar Construction on around 25 projects in the past and looks forward to doing many more,” says Webber.

The achievements at The Epic are testimony to how creative thinking and close co-operation between all parties can result in an established product being used in new and in-novative ways.

Construction commenced in Oc-tober 2013 and is due for completion in November 2014. The first three phases of the project have already sold out. ■

News

May 2014

Housing

May 2014

Housing

In this agreement the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund has invested R100 million with IHS to

develop 20 000 new affordable homes in South Africa.

This follows the commitment of more than half a billion rand to the equity provider’s second fund by the National Housing Finance Corpora-tion.

Sibusiso Luthuli, CEO of the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund, said the affordable housing sector has shown its ability to improve the social circumstances of thousands of South Africans, as well as provide superior returns to investors in the sector.“We are proud to partner in this en-deavour with IHS, which has a proven track record of enabling the building of quality communities while main-taining the highest level of oversight and financial due diligence,” he said.

The Eskom Pension and Provident Fund is the second largest pension fund in the country providing re-tirement and disability benefits to its members. It also covers death benefits for its in-service members, deferred pensioners and pensioners, which are paid to their qualifying beneficiaries. 

The IHS II Fund, launched last year, followed in the wake of the unprec-edented success of the company’s first fund, the SA Workforce Housing Fund (SAWHF). It provided funding of US$230 million and enabled the glob-al private equity provider to deliver 28 000 homes with a combined value of R8,6 billion throughout South Africa.

IHS was the first international institutional investor to recognise the potential of developing afford-able housing, and Gap housing. In doing so it opened up a valuable new asset class for investors, and ensured that thousands of families were able to afford a home of their own and start their journey to wealth creation through property ownership. “The latest research into the provi-sion of affordable housing in South

the whole hous-ing ladder. The Gap market is ripe for further private sector development, especially the kind of sustain-able initiatives t h a t a l l o w more peo-ple to join the formal h o u s i n g ladder in the af-f o r d -a b l e s e c-tor. ■

Trailblazing deal A number of historical events have taken place at Lilliesleaf Farm in Rivonia, the most recent being the signing of a deal between national energy supplier Eskom, with global equity funder, International Housing Solutions (IHS).

Africa shows that it not only brings with it improved welfare and social cohesion, but is also an important fa-cilitator of opportunities and wealth creation,” says Soula Proxenos, Managing Partner at IHS.“It has been shown that people who take their first step onto the property ladder in this sector move beyond viewing their homes as a mere shelter. Instead, their homes become assets and through appreciation of these assets, entrepreneurship, job creation and access to higher levels of education are stimulated.”

She notes that the affordable housing market caters to households with an income of between R3 500 and R18 000 per month. People in this segment earn too much to qualify for government’s low-cost subsidised housing and too little to afford the cheapest standard private sector houses or to qualify for bonds. How-ever even though they are in a posi-tion to buy their own homes, there is a shortage of stock in this market.

“IHS Fund II aims to make a sub-stantial contribution to the supply of additional housing stock in this critically under-supplied market,” Proxenos says. “Housing is like a ladder; if there are rungs missing, the ladder is broken. Creating housing stock in the Gap mar-ket gives previous RDP house-holds housing to move up to. If there is nowhere for these families to go to - then they are not able to improve their lot and new families are unable to move into former RDP govern-ment housing units.” These RDP units can be bought and sold after being held by the beneficiary for a period of e i g h t y e a r s . Proxenos says that govern-ment alone cannot fix

May 2014

Housing

The ‘Global Affordable Housing Report: BRICS Plus Mortar’ finds that the effective provi-

sion of affordable housing is a uni-versal problem.

The most notable shortages of ad-equate housing are in developing na-tions, where housing provisions have failed to keep pace with economic development. In advanced econo-mies the rising income inequalities and a tendency for housing costs to rise faster than incomes have posed major difficulties for younger and poorer households.

The research presented at the RICS International Summit in São Paulo, by President Michael Newey, investigates housing demands; needs and supply, in three of the BRIC economies, Brazil, India and China. The report compares the policies outlined by governments to meet the demands for housing. 

Commissioned by RICS and authored by a team led by Professor Duncan Ma-clennan from the University of St Andrews, the report i n c l u d e s recommen-dations to g o v e r n -m e n t s , a c a d e m i c r e s e a r c h e r s and internation-al agencies on the need to focus more critically on the diversities within the BRICs and OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) nations, to convey accurately how housing systems operate on a local scale.

Findings suggest that there has been too great a focus on broad housing policy ‘visions’ on a national scale, rather than the feasibility of housing policies at a local level.

As a result the report argues for decision-makers to adopt locally effective policies, recognised and supported at a national level and implemented at local community, municipal, town and city level. 

The report also examines current issues within existing housing poli-

cies across Brazil, India and China. There has been substantial focus on the creation of home ownership, but the lack of an efficient rental housing market has led to a shortage in afford-able housing supply. 

This has been most apparent in Brazil and India, where limited hous-ing supply has been exacerbated by lagging infrastructure provision, inad-equate developer funds, long delays in the planning system and, in some instances, corruption. 

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the world’s leading professional body for qualification and standards in land, property and construction, says that a rethink of housing supply is essential for emerging economies.

In Brazil and China, sluggish hous-ing supply systems and deregulated housing finance markets have cre-ated a housing market susceptible to booms, bubbles and busts and poor market stability.  However, in China, with public ownership of land and a past tradition of public housing provi-sion, there is a record of stronger and effective policy action to deal with urban housing shortages.

Findings from the research con-clude that rapid urbanisation has led to a rise in informal settlements, particularly in Brazil and India.  The formation of ‘favelas’ (shanty towns) and slums, whilst providing shelter for those in need, can deter the devel-opment of quality housing with slum

and favela formation outstripping other major housing investments since 2006.

However, lessons can be learnt from the intimate links established in Brazil and China, between housing policy, urbanisation and infrastruc-ture, which many OECD nations could benefit from.

Dr Clare Eriksson, Director of RICS Global Research and Policy says,  “The research traces how housing provision and policies in Brazil, China

and India have responded to

economic growth.  Based on the study, recommendations have been made for BRICS and OECD economies which will ensure more effective delivery of housing in the future. Key findings stress the importance of im-proving supply, creating an efficient rental market, integrating housing and city development policies, and taking a local approach to hous-ing policy supported by adequate national frameworks and resources.

“Although some progress has been made, particularly in Brazil and China, the research highlights that much remains to be done until sufficient levels of decent affordable housing are a reality. The report’s author, Professor Duncan Maclennan,

Global Affordable

May 2014

says: “International bodies and lobby groups talk of the looming challenges of population ageing, the environ-ment, worklessness, immigration and the like. They also need to recognise that there is an emerging global crisis in relation to the provision of decent homes and neighbourhoods.  Policy responses have been too little and too late in many countries and with deregulated finance markets, a demand side emphasis on policies to support home ownership has shaped sluggish housing provision systems. New times need a new emphasis on rental housing provision and for programmes to help the poor, there will have to be a government commit-ment of resources.”     

The Centre for Housing Research, University of St Andrews has been

engaged in independent and col-laborative research since 1990 and its large body of research serves local, national and international policy makers and practitioners. Maclennan is Director of the Centre for Housing Research at the Univer-sity of St Andrews. Since 2006 he has been involved in advising the Prime Minister’s Office in the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

RICS Research and Policy commis-sions research across the land, prop-erty and construction sectors.  The function has an international scope and reports contribute to evidenced based policy positions on key themes in these sectors. In a world where more and more people, governments, banks and commercial organisations demand greater certainty of profes-

sional standards and ethics, attaining RICS status is the recognised mark of property professionalism.

Over 100 000 property profession-als working in the major established and emerging economies of the world have already recognised the importance of securing RICS status by becoming members. RICS is an independent professional body originally established in the UK by Royal Charter. Since 1868, It has been committed to setting and upholding the highest standards of excellence and integrity, providing impartial, authoritative advice on key issues affecting businesses and society.

To read the report: ‘Global Afford-able Housing Report: BRICS Plus Mortar’ go to http://www.rics.org/bricshousing ■

In Brazil and China sluggish housing supply systems and deregulated housing finance markets have created a housing market susceptible to booms, bubbles and busts and poor market stability. 

Housing

Housing Report

May 2014

Housing

First time buyers account for al-most 25% of residential buyers; this has increased by 1% from

the previous quarter, which shows a high level of confidence in the resi-dential sector. However, it isn’t only about confidence levels, this may also

have been a delayed response to the tightening of bank credit criteria, at the end of the boom times in 2008. Many first time buyers had to delay their purchases until they could provide the required reintroduced deposits.

The FNB Estate Agent Survey Prop-erty Barometer report shows that first time home buyers have saved the required deposit and many have researched the market; as buyers are more educated about the process and now shop around to find out what is required to qualify for a home loan and all the costs.

Almost 30% of first time buyers are ‘fear or panic buyers’, as they anticipate house prices increasing. However, it is well known that this motive for home buying increases sig-nificantly in times of boom markets and can lead to market overshoots, as first time buyers scramble to get onto the property ladder before ‘it’s too late’.

Loos says, “At present, we don’t get the impression that the level of buyer panic is extreme, and there is probably at any given time a portion of aspirant buyers who have this condition. However, with periodic talk of property ‘bubbles’ re-surfacing around the world, we will have to monitor this response in the future

First time buyers remain a strong source of demand for residential property but they should proceed with caution says John Loos, First National Bank’s Household and Property Sector Strategist.

increase in first time buyers

May 2014

Housing

surveys to see how it changes as the cycle unfolds.”

The survey also reveals that the single status ‘buyer’ has increased as a percentage of total home buyers from 13% at the third quarter of 2010 to 20% in the first quarter of 2014.

Couples who pool resources often have stronger purchasing power and, on average, are often a little older than single status buyers. Economic times have improved post the 2008/9 recession; interest rates dropped to low levels in 2010 and residential con-fidence began to recover. “Looking forward, however, we would expect percentages of first time buyers and single status buyers, to recede later in 2014.

This is based on our projection of a mild interest rate hike nearer to 10% prime rate by year end, and a further increase to 11% by the end of 2015. First time buyers are generally more credit dependent than older repeat buyers, thus more sensitive to inter-est rate cycles.”

Loos suggests:• It is important to buy residential

property at a price level that is well within one’s means, so as to be able to absorb interest rate hikes of a few percentage points. This is es-pecially important as now interest rates are now abnormally low by

South African standards. Wording of a section of the March Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee Statement states that ‘The real policy (interest) rate is currently below what can be considered normal and is likely to increase over the medium term.

• It is also important to make provi-sion for costs related to housing, including municipal rates, utilities tariffs and maintenance costs, which have been rising, and con-sumer price inflation as well as wage inflation.

• A significant number of house-holds over-commit in terms of the

buying property. This is reflected in the Estate Agent Survey response regarding reasons for selling prop-erties, where almost 15% of sellers are believed to be selling ‘in order to downscale due to financial pres-sure. The transaction and reloca-tion costs involved with this ‘right sizing’ are costly.

• Various options exist to smooth out debt repayment and cash flow. Setting an installment repayment well above the required monthly rate is one way of being prepared for interest rate hikes. Alternatively, a fixed interest rate is always an option. ■

“The fact that FNB Home Loans ranked first when it came to the best home loan product is testa-

ment to our solid service and sound product offering,” says Jan Kleyn-hans, CEO of Asset Finance at FNB.

The purpose of the survey is to garner banking clients’ views across a range of products and service offer-ings. FNB won overall for Best Com-prehensive Bank, taking into account all banking products.

Results of the best home loan category were based on whether customers wanted to stay with their current home loan provider when moving homes, as well as their overall

experience with their home loan ac-count. Six home loan providers were considered, with FNB coming out tops. “FNB Home Loans has been at the forefront of industry innovation for many areas,” says Kleynhans. “FNB is currently the only bank to offer the ‘Move Home Not Your Home Loan’ benefit, where we will pay a customer’s bond registration fee and subsidise the attorney’s cancellation fees if our customer continues to use us as a provider.”

Other innovations include FNB’s distressed Home Owners Quick Sell Program as well as its Property Leader service. “Property Leader al-lows prospective buyers and sellers to receive personalised service from our property specialists,” says Kleyn-hans. “These specialists can provide customers with property area reports, assist in arranging property valua-

tions as well as introducing sellers to reputable estate agents in their desired areas.”

Kleynhans concludes, ”We remain committed to advancing bonds and providing a differentiated client experience to both salaried and self-employed clients.” ■

FNB voted ‘Best Home Loan Provider’First National Bank Home Loans wins top honours in the Intellidex Bank of the Year Survey 2014.

Jan Kleynhans

May 2014

Energy

According to GIBB’s Power and Energy Sector General Manager, Paul Fitzsimons,

in mature markets different power generators sell electricity to a central independent buying office. This of-fice will then sell the electricity onto energy ‘whole-sellers’ and retailers via distributors.

Fitzsimons says, “Whilst in many countries there are varying degrees of vertical integration, at the moment the entire process in South Africa, from generation and transmission to distribution, is controlled by Eskom, with municipalities and metros play-ing the role of retail distributors and on-sellers in many cases.

“Although South Africa’s Renewable Energy Inde-pendent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) is a step in the right direction, indepen-dent power pro-ducers con-tinue to b i d t o provide electric-i t y t o t h e Department of Energy, and transfer it back to Eskom. This means the consumer is unable to choose a supplier.”

One of the greatest challenges with electricity supply systems is get-ting the electricity from the generator to the end user. The process always requires a single transmission and distribution network and these are natural monopolies.

“While users may be stuck with a particular distribution network by virtue of geography, they would be able to choose their supplier, and the introduction of competition in operations would naturally improve performance and reduce costs,” said Fitzsimons.

This type of model was introduced in the United Kingdom. “Competition was forced into the system and an open bidding pool was established to buy electricity from different genera-tors. Different qualities of electricity (base load; peak-time) were priced differently.

Prices were published and there was a high degree of transparency.

Privately owned utilitiesState owned utility supplier, Eskom, needs to consider a more market-driven demand side driven and competitive business model to overcome some of its challenges.

“Today, with electricity prices rocketing in the UK, there has been a lot of discussion around whether this model works or not. Gen-erating companies have been accused of creat-ing internal middle-men in order to sell electricity at inf lated prices

before on-selling it to the end user,” said Fitzsimons.

While the UK model is largely de-regulated, Fitzsimons said a degree of regulation is required to ensure the system is not abused. “Perhaps a good example is the United States where utilities are privately-owned, but the sector remains highly regu-lated.

He said that proper demand side management is where consumers are given the choice as to which supplier they buy their electricity from. This would be possible in a market characterised by independent transmission, distribution grids and independent power competing in an open energy market. This would cre-ate demand management solutions such as demand aggregators, energy brokers and similar risk and liquidity measures.

“While it has been criticised, the forward selling of bulk electricity to large scale industrial users is a per-fectly normal market driven response and a form of price hedging widely

practiced in competitive commodity markets.

In South Africa, industry reform has been on the agenda for some time. The Indepen-d e n t S y s te m a n d Market Operator Bill proposed placing the operation of the electricity grid in an independent, but state-owned entity. This is a positive move towards re-form, but has been put on hold twice this year,” said Fitzsimons.

Eskom is the third largest electric-ity generator worldwide. Fitzsimons said to avoid recurring energy crises, South Africa needs to seriously con-sider deregulation of the market. “Of course, the system can get highly complicated and relies on transpar-ency and moral integrity, but it can have an enormously positive spin-off in the form of newly created busi-nesses, a more secure power supply, increased foreign investment and more importantly - more jobs for South Africans.” ■

May 2014

May 2014

The intelligent energy management com-pany, carbonTRACK, a local supplier of an Australian smart energy management

platform, allows corporate and private users to remotely monitor and manage electricity con-sumption from a phone, tablet or desktop, all in real time. The company has started manufactur-ing the devices in South Africa. carbonTRACK interfaces with conventional electrical hot water geysers, renewable energy devices such as solar water heating geysers, heat pumps and track solar panel energy generation.

With spiralling electricity tariffs impacting on consumers, monitoring and switching energy loads, flow and temperature real-time, is an ur-gent requirement. Embracing new technologies like the carbonTRACK platform will allow prop-erty owners, developers and consumers to more effectively control energy usage.

The interface is simple and easy to understand; savings are transparent and understandable. Under certain conditions, energy savings in the residential sector have peaked at 40% of the energy bill.

According to carbonTRACK SA’s CEO, Irvan Da-mon, the decision to manufacture locally marks the completion of a three year process to attune the smart platform to the local environment, and highlights the firm’s commitment to South Africa and the continent.

Damon says that electricity grids in Africa are under enormous pressure and lack of supply has severe repercussions across many residential and business sectors, including manufacturing, distribution and retail.

“Technology expert, Cisco’s Internet Business Solutions Group, has predicted that by 2020 the amount of devices on the planet will fast approach 50 billion (seven per person). These intelligent devices will accelerate lifestyle im-provements, business efficiencies, household safety, healthcare innovations and could change the way we deal with climate change. carbon-TRACK is firmly embedded into the Internet of Things (IOT) economy. This refers to a network of connected machines or appliances embedded with sensors, digitally communicating bytes of information across the internet to devices like a smart phone, tablet or desktop.”

The system has recently been endorsed by the Eskom rebate programme. The locally manufac-tured units comply with all local and international performance and safety tests: SANS IEC 60950/SANS IEC 61010/SANS IEC 60730; Electromagnetic Compatibility; ICASA-approved; SANS IEC 60669/SANS 181:2004; LOAs issued by the NRCS/RCC number 1302637.

The product has been approved by the South African Bureau of Standards, and ISO 099 1 compliant. For further information go to www.carbontrack.co.za ■

Smart energy managementThe South African insurance sector replaces 250 000 electrical geysers every year. Using carbonTRACK’s pre-emptive alert will reduce the damage caused by faulty geysers, thereby reducing direct costs to insurers and premium increases for policy holders.

Energy

May 2014

Doors, Windows, Floors & Walls

May 2014

May 2014

Cement & Concrete

To keep up with demand, Bath-room Bizarre recently launched an affordable Alpine Forest

Laminate Flooring range, which pro-vides comfort underfoot, long-lasting durability, ease of installation, and is aesthetically appealing, says Jasmin Kraneveldt from Bathroom Bizarre.

She says that laminate wood floors tend to tick all the desirable boxes. “We researched the market, to find a range that offers quality, good looks, and value for money. The Alpine For-est range met all our needs, it’s more affordable than hardwood flooring or wall-to-wall carpeting. It doesn’t require specialised cleaning and its durability makes it resistant to stains, scratches and fading, so it boasts incredible longevity.”

The range offers a variety of co-lours and textures, from replicas of exotic hardwood floorboards to contemporary whitewashed finishes,

lighter wood tones, and even a rustic-inspired distressed grey wood. The 8,3 mm range is available in four types of wood finish - Savio, Chandra, Pre-spa and Torrente. The 12 mm range offers a better quality, as the boards are slightly thicker. It is available in four finishes including Makalu, Ever-est, Mount Tyree and Laila Peak.

“The joy of laminate floors is that they are made from high density fibre boards, which are incredibly durable and will provide years of underfoot comfort. They do not contract or expand like real hardwood. In the event of damages, the pieces can be easily replaced instead of laying a new floor.”

There is no need for special glues as laminated flooring has a snap tongue and groove system. It does not require a sub-floor only a level floor. It can be laid on top of wood, plywood, concrete or vinyl flooring.

Most laminate floors can also be laid over radiant heated concrete slabs.

Laminated flooring will benefit people with allergies because it’s quick to clean and it boasts a non-porous surface. As such, it doesn’t absorb dust or spills like carpeting. It is also a sanitary product owing to its airtight locking system and plastic ex-terior, which creates a shield against moisture. It is ideal for pet owners, as any unwanted hair or mess can be quickly and easily wiped. There is no need for varnish, wax, polish or special cleaning materials. “That’s why laminate floors are really great, a spray bottle filled with vinegar and water solution is all it takes to clean laminated floors,” says Kraneveldt.

The Alpine Forest Laminate Floor-ing range costs from R125 to R195 per square metre.

For further information go to www.bathroom.co.za

Laminate flooring has become one of the most popular floor coverings on the market.

Totally floored

Doors, Windows, Floors & Walls

May 2014

May 2014

Doors, Windows, Floors & Walls

“Of course prevention is better than cure,” says Miller. Dry rot weakens wood and can spread

if untreated. It is caused by several species of fungus that digest the parts of the wood that give it strength and stiffness. Weakened wood is typically dry and can be disastrous for any wood product, as it will eventually disintegrate.

The best way to prevent dry rot, according to Miller, is to properly seal wooden windows and doors with a good quality sealant and ensure ongoing maintenance. He says that Swartland has gone to great lengths to make regular timber maintenance as easy as possible, by introducing a range of quality products, which includes Maxicare water-based seal-ant and the Maxicare Wash and Wipe Maintenance kit.

Signs of dry rot• The wood will shrink, darken and

crack. A silky grey mushroom co-loured skin can form with patches of lilac and yellow that can be peeled off and can form on the wood.

• White, fluffy mycelium resembles cotton wool or teardrops and can develop in humid conditions.

• Strands of dry rot are brittle and will crack if bent.

• Fruiting bodies appear as a soft, fleshy pancake formation, with an orange-ochre wide pore surface.

• Rusty red spore dust can often be a sign of dry rot.

• Active decay will produce an un-mistakable musty or damp odour.

Miller explains that dry rot has often been mistaken for termite damage. It is important therefore to identify the problem and consult a professional timber specialist. “Dry rot affects damp timber with a moisture content of more than 20%,” explains Dylan.

Common causes include: wood exposed to leaking water pipes, over-exposure to outdoor irrigation, general condensation in bathrooms or kitchens, roofs, rising damp or damp penetration through the walls.

“Identifying the cause of the damp

Preventing dry rot

is imperative as it can lead to wide-spread structural damage that is costly to treat,” says Miller. “In most cases, it’s important to remove the infected timber and completely re-place it.”

If the dry rot has passed through the masonry, it should be isolated using physical containment and/or masonry sterilisation. Affected timber has to be removed and replaced with pre-treated wood.

Swartland recently launched a Ready-2-Fit range of wooden win-dows and doors. The factory manu-factured products are pre-glazed and pre-sealed to ensure that the wood is protected.

Miller notes that water-based coatings are by far the best option for sealing wood and the easiest to maintain and apply. Essentially, a water-based sealant refers to a sealer that uses water as its carrier.

This means that the pigments, hardener (resin) and other additives are mixed into the water. When the sealant dries the water evaporates and the resin pigment and additives form a strong protective layer on the wood.

The benefits of Maxicare water-based sealant include: powerful anti-fungal agents; ability to withstand harsh climate conditions, and UV-resistant protection, which combats the damaging effects of extreme temperatures, humidity, cold, rain and sunlight.

The product dries quickly and can be recoated within three hours. The gel texture prevents the sealant from dripping and it is durable and hard wearing. It expands and contracts with the wood during temperature changes.

The product is stain resistant and will extend the overall life of the wood. It has a heat reflective pig-ment, which keeps the wood cooler in hot climates, thereby reducing moisture and protecting glue lines.

The product available in a matt finish is environmentally friendly with low volatile organic compounds, non flammable and lead-free.

For further information go to www.swartland.co.za ■

Wood product specialist, Dylan Miller from Swartland, offers Housing in Southern Africa tips on how to treat and combat dry rot.

May 2014

Launched in South Africa in 2014, Stoneflow is part of a joint ini-tiative between three concrete

flooring experts: Rock Solid Flooring, a Stoneflow specialist in polished concrete; TAL Xcalibur, a concrete repair and product rehabilitation specialist; and HTC, a specialist in Superfloor polished concrete machin-ery, marketed locally through Superb Flooring Systems, which forms part of the PMSA group of companies.

Rock Solid Flooring founder, Syd-ney Little, says that given schedule demands and budget allowances, a100 m2 project including floor prepa-ration, finishing and handover, is achievable within five days when us-ing the correct HTC equipment.

The idea for Stoneflow flooring was sparked when the company first purchased HTC equipment for polish-ing concrete. “After purchasing the equipment to polish concrete floors, we came to the realisation that not all concrete floors can be polished, particularly in older buildings, where the concrete is not the correct MPa,” Little explains.

The company researched the viability of a decorative industrial screeding compound that could be placed over the concrete, before be-ing polished and that would produce a decorative finish in customised

colours. Rock Solid Flooring and TAL Xcalibur developed Stoneflow floor-ing, which can be polished by HTC products and machinery.

Since Stoneflow was introduced, the product has been used in several Tsogo Sun hotels nationwide, includ-ing the Maharani Hotel in Durban. “In this hotel the company had to remove the existing concrete and place a new 30 MPa screed with an aggregate, which was left for 28 days before the grinding process could begin. “In addition to this,” says Little, “we developed colours specific to the customer’s needs for the project.”

Superb Flooring Systems Manager for Southern Africa, Andreas Has-selmose, says that the HTC 650 RX model four-head grinder, the HTC 800 RX grinder and the HTC 270EG edge grinder ensured an accurate floor level and HTC Twister pads were used to produce a high standard of shine and finish.

Following the success of the proj-ect, the Stoneflow flooring concept was adopted by a number of other hotels. “Its proven performance in creating seamless flooring as led to an increase in demand for Stoneflow,” says Little, adding that “the future outlook is overwhelmingly positive, with a number of high-profile con-tracts lined up across South Africa.” ■

Stoneflow's high quality finish

Industrial floor polishing

applications can be substantially

improved through Stoneflow – a

heavy-duty, cement based,

decorative screeding

compound that provides

a quick setting and specialised concrete finish.

Cement & Concrete

May 2014

Precast concrete cladding provides designers with limitless scope, expression and choice of form and texture, says Bryan Perrie, Managing Director of The Concrete Institute.

Precast cladding

Concrete Laser Flooring (CLF) has announced the 100% ac-quisition of CLF-Concrete Laser

Flooring Pty Limited from Abbeydale Building and Civils. According to CLF Director, Peter Norton, the aim of the acquisition was to broaden the cus-tomer base and reward long-serving employees with a direct shareholding in the business.

Norton says that for many years CLF was unable to make in-roads into the contractors’ market since many contractors viewed this as helping their direct competitor, Abbeydale, which was CLF’s largest shareholder.

After the incorporation of Norton Construction Products, CLF has grown into one of the largest indus-trial flooring contractors in Southern Africa with offices in Johannesburg,

Durban and Cape Town. With its large fleet of laser screed machines and specialist materials and equipment, the company covers the whole spec-trum of services related to industrial flooring. This includes design and construction packages for high toler-ance floors, repair and renovation of floors, coatings and concrete polish-ing. “We also have a maintenance flooring division to ensure long term customer satisfaction.” CLF intro-duced laser screed technology into South Africa, followed by jointless floors and diamond polishing.

“Innovation is essential in our business,” says Norton, “and our core focus is on finding new ways to do things. This year marked another first for CLF when we were the first company to introduce a prime com-

CLF management buy out

Cement & Concrete

Precast concrete panels are rein-forced concrete units available in a variety of mixes, colours

and finishes, such as formed, acid-etched, smooth or coarse, rubbed, polished, grit or sand-blasted. In specifying precast concrete as clad-ding material, the designer gives the building contractor the opportu-nity to have the building ‘envelope’ moved off site to a precast facility, where a skilled workforce can pay attention to demands for accuracy, quality and finish.

One of the main distinctions be-tween precast concrete cladding and tilt-up concrete panels is that the precast elements are generally cast in a specialised manufacturing plant, away from their final location. Tilt-up panels are usually cast horizontally at or near their final destination, and then lifted into place.

The precast panels are cast face-downwards in purpose-moulds, frequently made of steel, often with rubber, timber or fibre glass inserts forming a pattern. Prior to the con-

crete being placed, a steel reinforce-ment cage is placed in the mould. Through the insertion of mats or rods in the base of the mould, different designs and effects can be created.

Precast cladding offers a wide range of finishes. In off-the-form fin-ishes, the mould detail is mirrored in the concrete surface and can produce, for example, board-marked finishes, ribbed finishes, or rope-patterned finishes. Exposed aggregate finishes, on the other hand, reflect the natural colour of the aggregate.

Architectural concrete claddings generally fall into two categories:

• Claddings that serve purely as enclosures: in this application the claddings are applied as self-finished panels or as backing com-ponents to other façade materials, such as brickwork;

• Claddings that form an integral part of the framework of a building and therefore perform an enclos-ing as well as a structural function.

Panels can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes but are applied mainly as storey-height or spandrel panels: with storey-height units spanning from floor to floor and spandrel versions forming a sill wall beneath fenestration strips.

Storey-height panels can be manu-factured with apertures for windows

posite jointless floor that uses 50% less cement than normal flooring. We were awarded the contract to construct nearly 20 000 m² of high tolerance flooring for Dischem's new warehouse.” According to Norton, the new shareholders comprise existing employees who have helped make CLF a success. ■

Deon Landmann

May 2014

• The early enclosure of the dry envelope enables follow-on trade professionals to commence their work sooner;

• A high standard of workmanship in factory conditions reduces the potential for accidents;

• Exceptional fire resistance;

• Superior acoustic quality that will help block traffic and industrial noise;

• Control of radiation and conduc-tion of heat and prevents air leak-age; and

• The use of concrete sandwich panels, incorporates thermal insu-lation, in colder climates it keeps the environment warm.

Harsh coastal environments may threaten the lifespan of some clad-ding materials but decades-old concrete structures, such as the Port Elizabeth Post Office building, north of the CBD and virtually next to the corrosive influences of the ocean, bear testimony to concrete’s excep-tional durability.

The façade of the main administra-tive building and Council Chamber wing of the Johannesburg Civic Cen-tre, still looks attractive after more than four decades since it was original-ly clad. Large precast concrete panels, 8,7 m high and 2,1 m wide and weighing 6 800 kg, were used as the walls of the Council Chamber. ■

Cement & Concrete

and doors later installed on site. Window frames can also be attached in the cladding manufacturer’s plant and applied paint finishes can be carried out before the panels are delivered to site.

Apart from its major cost benefits, precast cladding offers property own-ers long term durability and minimum

maintenance without the need for frequent cleaning.

The inherent capabilities of concrete also help to make precast cladding a popular choice as a result of:• Faster programme times – un-

affected by weather or labour shortages;

May 2014

metres below sea level), is surround-ed by a vast array of strategically planted and nurtured indigenous veg-etation. This forms part of the Envi-ronmental Development Programme instituted at the quarry in 2002.

Coedmore Quarry has managed to go above and beyond the levels of compliance required by the DMR, at the same time ensuring a harmonious relationship with local residents.

“We have instituted a number of measures that minimise the impact of our operations on local residents. These include the installation of sound, air quality and dust meters to monitor levels at strategic points throughout our site. We undertake systematic cleaning of the London-spruit River, which enters and exits our property – and we are active members of the Industrial Liaison Fo-rum, which further improves our rela-tionship with our neighbours through information sharing.” The systematic and strategically planned rehabilita-tion programme involves the monu-mental task of removing alien invader plant species and replanting with thousands of indigenous trees shrubs and plants, in conjunction with local company Natal Landscapes. To date, 11 896 trees, shrubs and ground cov-ers have been planted. ■

Cement & Concrete

This strong credo has been instituted and instilled in all employees through a succes-

sive line of highly participative plant managers. The result is an operation that consistently achieves showcase status for its unblemished safety record and simultaneously manages to maintain high levels of quality product output.

Perhaps the biggest accolade in terms of health and safety is Coed-more Quarry’s performance on As-pasa’s Health and Safety and Environ-mental Audits. For the past five years Coedmore has received showplace status, an achievement that sets it apart as a quarrying operation and underlines AfriSam’s stated values of People, Planet and Performance.

“In its most basic form, this is a commitment to our stakeholders and ourselves not to accept mediocrity

and to recognise that injury is not something that ‘happens to some-one’ but rather it impacts a colleague or a friend who plays a valuable role in the company,” says Jurgens du Toit, AfriSam’s Regional Manager. He points out that the Aspasa audits are critical to Coedmore’s safety pro-gramme. “The audits not only provide us with a checklist and yardstick by which we can measure our per-formance, but they focus on trends within the industry. Through the audit protocol and the knowledge sharing that transpires from it, we are able to determine any potential shortfalls and rectify them immediately.”

The last Lost Time Injury (LTI) at Coedmore Quarry was recorded on 1 September 2008. Du Toit says that AfriSam places emphasis on high levels of safety compliance and has implemented a number of pro-grammes such as Competency Based Safety (CBS) to achieve organisation-wide Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) awareness. In keeping with continuous improvement, in 2013 Co-edmore Quarry completely rewrote its safety procedures with regards to working on the crest of a drilling/blasting area.

Today, the Coedmore Quarry pit, with its highest face 110 metres (46

AfriSam upholds SHEQAfriSam’s Coedmore Quarry near Durban has survived tough market conditions and intense competition by adhering to strict SHEQ (safety, health, environment and qual i ty) principles.

May 2014

Terraforce, South Africa’s pio-neer of interlocking precast concrete retaining walls has

made inroads into the beautiful town of Lonavala – an hour’s drive from Bombay, in India.

Terraforce was chosen to supply rustic L15 IT blocks and retaining walls in the rocky region of Lonavala, in the Pune district of Maharashtra. The area is renowned for its lush green hills and holiday homes.

Terraforce’s Mumbai supplier, Di-rector of PraYoSa Build mat, Deepak Gadhia, says that landscape archi-tect, Retiwala & Associates, gave the go ahead to use the Terraforce system in order to stabilise the steep cut slopes behind the house.

Gadhia says, “Terraforce wall de-signs can take any shape and have more aesthetic appeal than a con-ventional concrete retaining wall. The landscape architect is always looking for innovative products and he was so impressed with the rock face finish of the Terraforce L15 IT blocks that he added additional walls to the original design.”

He explains that the design speci-fied additional blocks for the outdoor

entertainment jacuzzi area, which necessitated the construction of two free standing perpendicular walls onto the existing retaining wall. The feature walls were angled at a 75° in-clination and the staggered joints and two additional walls were increased in length as the height increased. The blocks were cut with a grinder to con-nect smoothly to the cut sloped wall.

The application of L15 IT retaining facia blocks as free standing walls, instead of earth filled retaining walls, proved to be a challenge, but were selected for their rustic charm.

Maximum stability of the new free standing walls was ensured by the addition of a concrete foundation and two steel rebars per concrete block, which run along the entire depth of the walls.

“The additional open space now allows guests to view the surrounding hills and sky and the clients were ex-tremely happy with the rustic, natural look,” says Gadhia.

The team includes: Design Archi-tects: Talati & Panthaky Associates; Landscape Architects: Retiwala & Associates; Main Contractor and Ter-raforce Supplier: PraYoSa Build mat. ■

Terraforce products for India

May 2014

Bricks & Paving

Local and international research continues to show that clay brick is perfect as a ‘green’

building material, for thermally ef-ficient sustainable housing construc-tion in South Africa.

An Australian comparative re-search study, comprised different wall types measured under real world conditions, has proved that high thermal mass clay brick walling envelopes achieve superior thermal comfort.

Research, conducted by the CTL Group in the United States, compared different types of cladding on basic houses across 10 cities in the US. The study found that houses with an exterior brick skin cladding used less heating energy than lightweight alternates, such as Vinyl Siding, Fi-bre Cement and Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS) and Innova-tive Building Technologies. In the US cladding is referred to as the exterior skin of the exterior walls.

Compounding ‘green value’ propo-sition of clay bricks, research data generated by the National Brick Research Centre, at Clemson Univer-sity, found in a life cycle assessment of energy consumed and pollution generated in the manufacturing of

Perfect green materialThe solid performance and investment value that clay brick brings to housing construction remains unparalleled.

CLADDING/LIFE CYCLE ANALYSISBasic Data Brick

MasonryBlock Masonry Fibre

CementVinyl Siding EIFS*

Warranty Weight ft²

100 years

35.5 lb

50 years

42.8lb

50 years

2.3 lb

50 years

0.5 lb

5 years

1.24 lbEnergy

Mining & Manufacturing

Recycling & Energy kWh/ft²/yr

Recycling:

Brick 100%

Mortar 40%

Energy:

0.252

Recycling:

80%

Energy:

0.228

Recycling:

0%¹

Energy:

0.328

Recycling:

80%²

Energy:

0.210

Recycling:

0%¹

Energy:

5.48Pollution Water & air emissions lb/ft²/yr

0.011 0.005 0.026 0.001 0.023

Distribution Energy

Avg/Distance, Miles & Net Energy kWh/ft²/yr

175 miles

0.004

100 miles

0.004

365 miles

0.146

310 miles

0.001

300 miles

0.189³

Waste & Depletion lb/ft²/yr

0.108 0.203 0.048 0.460⁴ 0.828

TOTALS:Energy 0.256 0.232 0.474 0.211 5.669Pollution 0.011 0.005 0.026 0.001 0.023Waste & Depletion

0.108 0.203 0.048 0.460 0.828

weight walling technologies and the associated high maintenance costs, particularly of EIFS, clay brick offers sustainability, no VOCs, low mainte-nance and longevity. ■

different walling materials, that clay brick outperformed Fibre Cement and EIFS.

The full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) by Energetics, in Australia, of different wall construction types ap-plied to two house designs, situated in three climatic zones and placed in four orientations, found that irrespec-tive of the wall construction type, the embodied energy was less than 10% of the total energy consumed (embodied plus operational) over a 50 year life cycle.

The LCA further found that clay brick cavity construction afforded a lower total (embodied plus heating and cooling) energy consumed than insulated lightweight weatherboard. In most situations where resistance/insulation was applied in the cavity of the double clay brick walls, those buildings outperformed insulated lightweight weatherboard in all situ-ations; with clay bricks’ superior life cycle providing for these benefits to compound into the future.

Unlike the limited lifecycle of light-

CLADDING/LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS*EIFS – Exterior Insulation Finishing System (Synthetic Stucco). Compos-ite EIFS are associated with Innova-tive Building Technologies, such wall cladding comprises a layer of foam plastic insulation and a reinforced layer applied to the face of the insula-tion and a top coat or finish.1 No proven method available.2 Used the maximum allowed in this analysis (80%). According to the Vinyl Siding Institute - 100% of vinyl siding is recyclable. Some environ-mental groups claim recycling of vi-nyl siding results in dioxin emissions. 3 Low weight per truckload influ-enced results.4 Depletion of salt in processing PVC influenced results.

May 2014

May 2014

Construction Equipment & Transport

Nina Mason, Director at Mayday Equipment, points out that using a high pressure washer

is not only quicker than carrying out a manual clean with a hose pipe, but between six and 10 times faster. High pressure washers use less water than low pressure hose pipes and the ad-ditional pressure and water flow from high pressure washers provide a quicker, more efficient level of cleaning that also cuts cleaning time.

Mayday Equipment offers a com-prehensive range of cold water high pressure washers to suit a number of applications and budgetary require-ments. In order to provide a wider of-fering to its customers, the company has added a number of models into its range over the past two years.

The range includes the 150, 186, 200 and 248 bar models. These prod-ucts are ideal for the building indus-try and logistics companies amongst others. Extremely cost efficient cold water high pressure washers are available in standard models or in gearbox driven versions. The latter provide higher pressure with a lower specification engine, for instance a model with a 5.5 HP engine can

produce pressures of 200 bar. This is far greater than the pressure sup-plied by a standard model with a 5.5 HP engine. Although Mayday Equip-ment supplies a number of different nozzle attachments for the high pres-sure washers, including one for use with chemicals, pressure cleaning is actually an eco-friendly cleaning method that can lead to the use of fewer or even no chemicals. “Bet-ter cleaning results are achieved in a much shorter time and there are high levels of efficiency because high performance can be achieved even on irregular

There is a common fallacy that high pressure washers consume more water than other methods of cleaning.

surfaces,” says Ma-son. Each model has

a professional trigger gun with safety lock and

510 mm stainless steel lance. The quick disconnect rotating nozzle accessories are colour coded and include a red version, also known as a cutting tip. This is ideal for aggres-sively cleaning stains on concrete and other hard surfaces. The yellow or chisel tip is used for stripping paint and removing grease, mould and other stains. The green or flushing tip removes stains on sidewalks and outdoor furniture. While the white or washing tip has been developed for softer, more delicate surfaces, such as vehicles and can be used with washer-specific chemicals. For customer convenience, diesel and electric versions of the cold water

high pressure wash-ers are available.

The petrol wash-ers are f i t ted with the reli-able and well-

known Honda engines for long service life and mini-mal mainte-

nance. The robust two

wheel push frame is pow-

der coated and the heavy duty

grade, direct drive brass manifold tri-

plex pump is com-pletely pressure adjust-

able. The Mayday Equipment range of cold water high pressure

washers offers a solution for most applications,” concludes Mason. ■

High pressure washers: Debunking the myths

May 2014

Construction Equipment & Transport

The company now aims to remain on this growth path through 2014. In keeping with

its growth strategy Wacker Neuson is focused on increasing market penetration of light and compact equipment in its core European and US markets, as well as actively devel-oping new emerging markets.

“We intend to continue to benefit from mega trends and expect global population growth, increasing ur-banisation, above-average growth in emerging economies and rising mechanisation in construction in-dustries to drive demand for our products,” says Cem Peksaglam, CEO of Wacker Neuson SE.

At Wacker Neuson, sustainable

profitable growth also involves mea-suring and managing soft factors that will secure its success in the long term. To ensure this, the group has started establishing a professional sustainability management system.

The company will be deploying environmental and energy manage-ment systems at its various sites in the coming years.

This will allow it to collect and evaluate data (for example, energy efficiency values) and implement suitable measures for improvement). Its first sustainability brochure: 'Thinking ahead: Sustainability at the Wacker Neuson Group’ will be released in 2015. Wacker Neuson remains optimistic for 2014. “If the

Wacker Neuson’s expansion plansIn spite of difficult market conditions, Munich-based light and compact construction equipment manufacturer, Wacker Neuson, managed to further increase its euro revenue and profitability in 2013 to €1,16 billion.

positive trends recorded in the first few weeks and months continue throughout the year, we can expect revenue to reach between €1 250 and €1 300 million, with an Earnings Before Interest and Taxes Deprecia-tion and Amortisation margin of 13% to 14%.”

For 2014, Wacker Neuson has ear-marked around €85 million euros in total for investments.

The Wacker Neuson Group has 40 affiliates, 140 sales and service stations and more than 12 000 sales and service partners across the globe.

Group revenue rose by 6% to €1 159,5 million in 2013, from €1 091,7 million in 2012. These figures were dampened by currency fluctuations. “We were able to further expand our market position in German speaking countries and globally, even manag-ing to report growth in declining mar-kets. This confirms that our strategy is yielding the right results,” explains Peksaglam. ■

May 2014

Infrastructure & Mixed Use

The 19 storey, 35 000m² building is due for completion early in 2017. The P Grade develop-

ment, owned by Standard Bank Properties, Pivotal Property Fund and Abland, has become an iconic landmark designed to suit the busi-ness environment and the location.

Alice Lane is centrally situated in Sandton, the prime business location in South Africa, opposite the Sandton City Shopping Centre. The precinct is easily accessible from the M1 national highway. It is in close proximity to various amenities and offers access to public transport. The Sandton City Shopping Centre, Sandton Con-vention Centre, the Sandton Towers Hotel and the Sandton Gautrain Sta-tion are all within walking distance of Alice Lane. A Gautrain bus stop is located on Alice Lane adjacent to the property.

The development will feature a central, landscaped piazza situ-ated between the three buildings. This public space will be pedes-trian friendly, contain a naturally green environment and will provide

amenities such as various service related retailers, a Virgin Active Clas-sic gym and a branch of the Standard Bank. The piazza offers tenants a central point where they can relax or conduct meetings. The general public will have access to the piazza and its benefits, inviting them in to the traditionally exclusive office precinct environment. The precinct is proudly ‘green’ having been built according to environmentally friendly building principles. The first two buildings

Breaking new groundBowman Gilfillan’s new building in the heart of Sandton’s economic hub, north of Johannesburg, wil l provide the corporate and commercial law firm with 22 000m² of office space.

have been awarded four star Green Star design ratings from the Green Building Council of South Africa.

The Alice Lane project involved the demolition of the Standard Bank building that was previously on the site, to make way for three new build-ings totalling 70  000m² of rentable space. Phase one was completed and occupied in August 2013, while Phases two and three are due for completion in November 2014 and September 2016 respectively ■

.

As work on the second phase of the Western Aqueduct gath-ers momentum eThekwini

Water and Sanitation has warned there could be disruptions and road closures on the mega bulk water pipeline.

A cco r d i n g t o P r o j e c t M a n -ager, Martin Bright, an additional R600 million has been allocated to fast track the development of the much needed pipeline. As a result of this commitment, the Western Aq-ueduct contracts, as well as the con-struction of a 20 megalitre reservoir at Ashley Drive, have been awarded.

According to Bright, significant

progress has already been made on the 7km stretch between Inchanga Station and Alverstone Neck. This was awarded to Cycad Pipelines in April 2013 and is due for completion by mid 2015.

The second contract, stretching from Alverstone Nek to Ashley Drive in Hillcrest, was awarded to WK SA. Construction is well underway, with completion scheduled for the first quarter of 2015. Bright says that from the beginning of April, traffic will flow in a one way direction from Hospital Road towards Emoyeni Drive in Hillcrest. It will then be redirected via Martin Lane before exiting into

Commonage Road and then move back to Hospital Road.

The 200 m stretch of road in front of Hillcrest Primary School will be closed and entering the school will be via Martin Lane.

At the end of April, pipes will also be laid along Stonewall Road, starting at the railway bridge and extending to Old Main Road.

The contract for the largest seg-ment of the pipeline measuring 55km from Inchanga Station to Ntuzuma has been awarded to Esorfranki Con-struction. Work has already begun within the railway reserve between Ashley Drive and Everton Road. ■

Western Aqueduct gains momentum

May 2014

May 2014

Infrastructure & Mixed Use

Members of the built environ-ment industry were recently invited, by the Master Build-

ers Association of the Western Cape, to hear about some of the World Design Capital (WDC) Cape Town 2014 projects that have been lined up for the year.

The WDC organised by Cape Town Design NPC has identified projects that will roll out and transform Cape Town. Board member and University of Cape Town Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environ-ment, Professor Francis Petersen, stated that the mission of WDC 2014 is to identify, nurture and promote transformative design projects.

So far, 460 design projects have been officially recognised and form part of the WDC 2014 programme.

Some of these include:

The Better Living ChallengeMillions of South Africans live in dire conditions in informal settlements, backyard shacks and below-standard RDP homes.

The growing need for homes far outstrips the capacity and resources of the government to deliver.

The Better Living Challenge is a call to designers and innovators; manu-facturers and retailers; students and professionals; self-taught designers and tradesmen; architects and engi-neers to develop home improvement solutions that support a better qual-ity of life for all.

Salt River Village Salt River, an area ravaged by crime, gangs and drug abuse, has been iden-tified as part of a R20 billion urban renewal initiative.

The project will include renova-tions of former industrial buildings, upgrading sidewalks and streetscape precincts, a community play park and public art.

The restoration of this historical, culturally rich area will take place in conjunction with city officials, con-tractors and stakeholders. The aim is to provide the community with an invigorating place to live, play and work.

Oude Molen Eco Village Design Project The conversion of the former, aban-doned hospital complex to an Eco Village aims to provide recreational activities, youth skills development and food security through urban agriculture.

The Eco Village has been seen as a means to address socio-economic

World Design Capital

The City of Cape Town’s ‘World Design Capital 2014’ (WDC 2014) status awarded by the International Council for Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID), recognises cities that design projects to improve the lives of their people.

May 2014

Infrastructure & Mixed Use

and job opportunities through the building phase of the project and ongoing maintenance.

Shaping Stellenbosch This process-oriented project has been designed to demonstrate how an historically divided South African town can generate a future vision of urban development that connects economic development, social inclu-sion and ecological sustainability.

Rex Trueform Office Park Refurbishment The project aims to rejuvenate an iconic landmark building into a func-tioning unit and to revitalise the area. 

The historical city block consists of three buildings, which will be reno-vated into a single unit office park with a central entrance lobby.

The refurbishment will provide retail and commercial space as well as a coffee shop.

The development aims to recon-nect the local community and the broader Cape Town community, to

create jobs for people in the area.

Future Tyger The Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP), supported by Cape Town’s Mayoral Urban Regeneration Pro-gramme, proposes to bridge the divide between the City Bowl and Cape Town’s emerging second met-ropolitan centre in Tygerberg.

The Future Tyger programme aims to transform  the Voortrekker Road Corridor (VRC) into a place where communities, interest groups, stu-dents, knowledge institutions, local and international planners, designers and innovators can come together to facilitate urban transformation. 

The project will roll out in four phases.

Two Rivers Urban Park Regeneration The Two Rivers Urban Park, between Liesbeek and Black Rivers, has been earmarked as an important social, historical, environmental and eco-nomic site. 

The unused tract of land will be trans-formed into a mixed-use develop-ment, which will provide residential, retail, commercial and recreational facilities.

In this way an underdeveloped part of the Cape Town will become a liveable area that enhances quality of life.

Petersen urged the built environ-ment industry to actively address the challenges of social and cultural cohesion as well as economic devel-opment. He encouraged people not to miss out on this opportunity.

“The success of World Design Capital 2014 must be visible many years after 2014. Let us not ask ‘where was the built environment industry in shaping the transformation of the City,” says Petersen.

Rob Johnson, Executive Director of the Master Builders Association of the Western Cape, rounded off by quoting Cape Town’s Mayor, “When we broaden our horizon, we discover the tremendous energy and innova-tion of individuals, communities and firms using design every day to create solutions.” ■

May 2014

Infrastructure & Mixed Use

This forward-thinking report, undertaken by  Arup’s Fore-sight + Research + Innovation 

+ Landscape architecture  teams, ad-dresses global issues such as climate change, urban population growth, resource scarcity and the risk of urban flooding.

Cities Alive analyses existing re-search and trends in landscape and city design to show how the creation of a linked ‘city eco system’ encom-passing parks and open spaces; urban trees, streets, squares; woodlands and waterways can help to create healthier, safer and more prosper-ous cities.

Some of the more innovative ele-ments such as urban farms; glow in the dark trees and solar powered pathways demonstrate how the futur-istic components can be integrated into a city’s network. “Often, green space is employed as an after-thought in urban development, either due

to costs, a lack of space, or a lack of understanding of the benefits it can deliver. It will have an impact on the health and wellbeing of citizens,” says Tom Armour, Landscape Architecture Group Leader at Arup.

“The carbon footprint of the city also warrants far more attention. We should be developing cities to pro-mote biodiversity rather than hamper it, as part of a drive for higher qual-ity external design, to create better places for urban citizens to live, work and relax. As space in cities becomes more precious, planning for green aspects needs to be considered as a fundamental and not as an optional add-on. We need to plan our external environment in a multi-layered way, so we can use our city space more ef-fectively, by exploiting and adapting existing spaces.”

Cities Alive highlights that we need to make the natural environ-ment a primary concern in urban

Cities of the futureArup’s report, Cities Alive, envisages cities of the future as integrated networks of intelligent green spaces, designed to improve the health and wellbeing of their citizens.

development, and one that should be considered from the earliest plan-ning stages.

By working with nature and through high quality landscape de-sign, Cities Alive proposes an eco-nomic way of addressing the chal-lenges of population growth and climate change in our cities, to deliver significant social and environmental benefits.

Arup has been the creative force at the heart of many of the world’s most prominent projects in the built environment industry.

With 90 offices in 38 countries, over 11 000 planners, designers, engineers and consultants deliver innovative projects across the world, with cre-ativity and passion.

For further information go to www.arup.com or to download the re-port, go to www.arup.com/~/media/Publications/Files/Publications/C/Arup_Cities_Alive.ashx ■

May 2014

Industry Buzz, Events & Products

The new plug top range includes multi plugs and adaptors that can be used without replac-

ing existing wall sockets. Both the unearthed two-pin and the three-pin earthed standards can be accom-modated in sockets and adaptors, reducing the need for a multitude of different adaptors. The three-pin plug can be wired to allow the cord to exit either at the top or the bot-tom of the plug top, making it ideal for tight spaces, or where unsightly cords should be avoided. Replac-ing moulded earthed plug with the compact three-pin will offer greater

New plug and adaptor designSlimline Compact, a new contemporary three-pin plug top from Crabtree, offers an alternative to the conventional large and bulky design that has been used in the past.

flexibility in residential and commercial spaces. The SABS-approved easy-to-use plug of-fers significant safety features. The live and neutral pins have extended sleeves and the socket has shutters on both contacts. Conventionally, the earth pin acti-vates the shutter mechanism for all contacts, making the system sus-ceptible to tampering. The compact three-pin plug design addresses this with a unique shutter system, extended 15 mm pin sleeve and a recessed socket.

The Slimline format also includes

a new range of switches and sock-ets. The Slimline standard complies with SANS 164-2 and will be phased into the residential sector in the com-ing years. For further information go to www.crabtree.co.za ■

The filter unit consists of precast concrete slabs that form a sus-pended floor to carry filter sand

media. Filtered water passes through nozzles in the concrete slabs to a holding sump, and is then chemically treated before being distributed. The aim is to prevent the sand from pass-ing through the joints, which would contaminate the filtered water.

Botjheng Water, a water and wastewater bulk infrastructure construction company, was consulted

High performance sealant from Sika

The Midvaal Water Company supplies bulk potable water to an area of 900km2 in the North West Province. When specialised joint sealing was required, the company tested various systems and determined Sika’s Sikadur-Combiflex SG System to be the best choice.

on sealing around and in between the filter unit nozzles. Engineers soon re-alised that the joint sealant originally specified would not be viable and turned to Sika for a solution. Various products were supplied and Botjheng Water conducted tests to ascertain the amount of pressure the Sika sys-tem could withstand based on the site requirements. Finally the Sikadur-Combiflex SG system was accepted and approved. The system consists of a modified flexible Polyolefin (FPO)

waterproofing tape that is glued in place with Sikadur-31 CF, a moisture-tolerant, thixotropic advanced adhe-sive based on a combination of epoxy resins and special fillers. This high performance joint sealant system is suitable for expansion, construction and connection joints as well as for cracks and once fixed to the joint al-lows irregular and high movement in more than one direction.

Multi Contracts Specialists applied the Sikadur-Combiflex SG system to the filter unit, consisting of 24 filter segments, each made of two filter banks. With the product consumption per filter bank measuring 38,3m, a total of 1 838,4m was applied. Al-though Combiflex Tape is available in a variety of widths and thicknesses, 150mm x 2mm was specified and cut to 130 mm wide to accommodate the site-specific requirements around and between the nozzles.

The Sikadur-Combiflex SG system is flexible, easy to install and suitable for dry and damp concrete surfaces. It performs well within a wide range of temperatures and is weather-water-root resistant as well as root resistant. The joint sealant system was so impressive that Midvaal Water Company intends using the product for all its filter units. ■

May 2014

Industry Buzz, Events & Products

Features: Roofing, Ceilings, Insulation & Cladding, Paints,

Coatings & Sealants, Bathrooms, Kitchens & Plumbing, Construction

Equipment & Transport Infrastructure & Mixed Use.

To advertise contact Brenda Grossmann on 011 622 4770 or

email brendag@crown.co.za

Our Next Issue

HOUSINGin Southern Africa

Dr Deon Landmann, MBA North Education, Training & Trans-formation Manager, says that

Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, announced there will be a transitional period from October 11, 2013 to April 30, 2015.

“The new codes were published on October 11, 2013, and the transitional period was initially scheduled to stand for a year. The six month extension will offer companies a longer period to adjust to the new targets, which many believe will be far more difficult to comply with,” says Landmann.

“The Department of Trade & In-dustry has received several requests for a longer transition period, owing to a low state of readiness by compa-

New B-BBEE CodesMaster Builders Association ( M B A ) N o r t h h a s a d v i s e d that Government has further extended the implementation date of the new B-BBEE Codes of Practice, but it is unlikely to be extended again.

nies. MBA North welcomes this move but feels that it is important that companies begin their planning so they comply once the amended codes have kicked in. During this transition period, an entity can elect to have its compliance measured either in terms of the new B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice, or the old B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice of 2007. In addition to the extension, all Sector Charter Councils had been advised to align their respective sector Codes to the new Codes by the end of April 2015. In this instance, we are still uncertain if a transitional period would also apply. If not, companies within a sector code scope will have to be measured im-mediately against an unknown target and that seems very unreasonable,” Landmann explains.

Gazetted Sector Codes apply to construction, tourism, forestry, trans-port, information and communication technology, agriculture, property, financial services and chartered ac-countancy. The updated codes reduce the scorecard components from seven

to five. These deal with ownership, management control, skills develop-ment, enterprise and supplier devel-opment and socio-economic develop-ment. “Failure to meet the thresholds will lower a company’s empowerment status, with Level One representing the highest achievable status. This will make it more difficult for enterprises to achieve and retain their current B-BBEE contributor status ratings under the revised codes.” says Landmann.

He concludes that in light of the change of the compliance date, com-panies are advised to delay verifica-tion until October. This will allow them to be verified again next year, prior to April 2015, to benefit from the 2007 codes. MBA North will assist mem-bers free of charge regarding the new Codes, while a nominal fee will apply to non-members seeking guidance.

For further information call 011 805 6611 or go to www.mbanorth.co.za ■

The South African division of Bosch Power Tools has launched the Bosch PSB 850-2 RE Impact

Drill featuring a screw driving/impact drilling function, which allows for material-specific applications.

Bosch Power Tools SA Senior Brand Manager Juergen Lauer notes that the PSB 850-2 RE Impact Drill has an ergo-nomic and robust design that makes big projects look easy.

“The drill features a robust, insu-lated aluminium gear housing with a soft grip for increased user comfort. There is a lock-on button for continu-ous operation allowing for convenient working. The exceptional tool han-dling ensures user control and com-fort,” he explains. The PSB 850-2 RE Impact Drill is extremely compact and weighs 2,5kg. It has a rotational direc-tion auxiliary handle for left and right hand users, which is 360° adjustable. Its lock-off function ensures increased user safety through the avoidance of unintended starts. There is also a dust extraction port, which allows for the

Impact drill

addition of a dust extraction system. It has a powerful 850 W motor with a 2-speed gearbox, as well as a forward/reverse function. The high torque gear is more powerful, but slower than the high-speed gear, which is faster but with less power. This makes it possible to select the correct gear according to the application. “The Bosch PSB 850-2 RE Impact Drill features Bosch’s elec-tronic speed pre-selection and con-trol, which allows for material-specific working as well as fingertip control of the tool. There is a single-sleeve key-less chuck with Bosch Auto-Lock for fast and easy tool bit changes. It also has a depth stop ensuring accurate drilling depths, and features a new cable sleeve with hanger for conve-nient storage,” concludes Lauer. ■

Deon Landmann

www.aberdare.co.za

www.builders.co.za