Construction World August 2016

implementing something in the near future. However, because of our experience in Africa, we are familiar with the process of generating functional and performance-based specifica- tion documents which are largely based on British or European standards. For example, rather than specifying a branded product, the specification needs to describe how the product must perform and what materials it must be made of,” he elaborates. While projects such as this may not afford architects from South Africa the comfort of the familiar systems and formulas, MWCA’s philosophy is that adaptability, flex- ibility and the willingness to learn ultimately make for a stronger practice all round. Old and accepted ideas in one’s familiar envi- ronment can be challenged, while everyone involved in a project which presents unfamiliar aspects, has the opportunity to broaden their knowledge. It is clear that this approach, combined with the firm’s long-es- tablished reputation in the residential market and its African exposure, have served it well. While The Edge is progressing smoothly, the company has since been appointed by the same client to undertake another upmarket residential development near Lake Victoria. “We look forward to applying what we have learnt on The Edge on this new project, to improving on that knowledge, and to deepening our relationship with HL Invest- ments as a client,” Cole concludes.

to all units. Since power supply can be unre- liable, each unit has the ability to be fitted with an inverter. Water tanks installed around the complex are able to provide 1 200 litres of water a day to each household for three full days in the event of a water supply problem. Storm water runoff is being managed by means of a walled-off basketball court which functions as an attenuation pond after a downpour. The team even had to provide for proper sewage disposal from the site, which has been done by means of sharing a prop- erly designed mini sewage treatment plant with a neighbouring development. Detailed co-ordination and planning required Whilst MWCA has undertaken all the concep-

tual and design work on The Edge, the full professional team in Uganda also includes a Ugandan architect of record, as required by law. This architectural firm, SASA (headed up by Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere) is actively involved in daily site manage- ment. Cole reports that the working process as a team has been smooth, comfortable and collaborative. “We have had many workshop sessions together to ensure that everyone is able to implement best practices and to work optimally as a team,” he says. One of the aspects of the job which has needed more attention than usual has been the develop- ment of generic specification documents for the contractor to work from. “Uganda doesn’t currently have legislated building codes, although the authorities are working on

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD AUGUST 2016