How Are We Doing As An Industry?

Overall, Sub-Saharan Africa is forecast to deliver steady economic growth over the next two years but prospects will vary significantly from nation to nation, argues construction and consulting professional giant, MACE.

Essentials For Industrial Roll-Up Doors

The well-being of personnel and suppliers is extremely important and plays a defining role in complementing the motivation of people in the workplace. Given the special focus in this edition of To Build on health and safety, we asked a supplier of industrial roll-up doors what makes for a door that enhances both worker safety and productivity.

South Africa's first interior 6-Star Green Star Award

The Green Building Council of South Africa has awarded its first 6-Star Green Star rating in the category Interiors v.1.

Launching The Ridge in the Waterfront

Ex Africa semper aliquid novi, says Pliny the Elder, writing in his thesis Naturalis Historia VIII. xviii. The quotation, meaning ‘Africa always brings something new’, would endure through the ages, bringing us to the South Africa of today.

State of renewable energy in SA

Since we last reported on the matter, there has been considerable progress made towards an envisaged low carbon energy future for SA, in support of green buildings and sustainability in general. Here, we report on the current renewables landscape in South Africa.

Food for plants

‘I have always wanted to specialise in water, but I had not decided what exactly in water. The drought that Cape Town experienced became a lens through which I could view water. Initially I was interested in the management of water, but the idea of viewing urine as a resource pushed the boundaries; to say that waste streams such as urine can help solve the water issue and at the same time be useful as fertiliser, for example. That which drew me closer to the project was its nature. It is original and it encourages a change of mind-set for all of society.’

Siyanda Mbele, designer

Siyanda Mbele, acclaimed Design Indaba 2020 designer, was born in Umlazi 29 years ago.

Design professionals urged to join SASFA

Industry association, the Southern African Light Steel Frame Association (SASFA) argues that by joining its ranks, architects, engineers and design professionals may tap into the growing light steel frame building (LSFB) knowledge base and market, staying abreast of new trends and technologies in a very affordable and practical way. SASFA is a member association of the South African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC). SASFA was established in 2006 by interested parties as an industry representative association.

Kitchen Specialists 2020

Established in 1989 by members of the kitchen industry, the Kitchen Specialists Association is a non-profit organisation managed by regional committees in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, and overseen by a national committee.

Are you ready for quality and convenience?

Our cover advertiser, Swartland, has great news for designers, builders and tradesmen.

Shaping African cities

Mixed-use real estate isn’t just taking South Africa by storm. Developments that combine residential, retail, commercial and office spaces are becoming increasingly popular in the rest of the continent – and for all the right reasons, says Nicholas Stopforth, managing director of Amdec Property Developments.

Student rising in a tough world

A rising star in the world of quantity surveying predicts that the environmental impact of rapid urbanization will lead to more stringent green building legislation in the future, and that technology, among other disruptors, will lead built environment professionals to become increasingly specialized.

Seasonal two-bedroom apartment furnished

Flanked on either side by Table Mountain’s legendary Twelve Apostles, a sophisticated Clifton apartment looks out over breath-taking panoramic views of the Cape Atlantic Ocean and is in equal parts luxurious getaway, relaxed coastal retreat and entertainer’s dream.

The function and importance of cavity walling

High rainfall regions can experience condensation on the inside surface of the building shell during cold weather. This is commonly visible on glass doors and windows but can also be found on the walls themselves. In addition to causing damage, the continual dampness results in mould growth and many other health issues.

Designing for extreme environments

South African architects working in extreme environments must pay considerably more attention to climatic conditions than those working in urban areas. For example, building orientation and thermal efficiency may be significantly more important for an ice station in the Antarctic or for a tourist facility on the Roof of Africa.