Construction World December 2022

Left: Each level of slab consumes between 150 m 3 and 250 m 3 25 MPa readymix concrete. Middle: With its advanced concrete technology and extensive R&D, AfriSam is one of the leading readymix suppliers in the industry. Right: About 80 piles are being constructed for the project.

important on fast track projects like this, as it allows us to speed up our cycle times.” The consistent mix results mean that the normal recycling time of 11 days for each slab pour can be reduced to nine or 10 days. This will support the building programme’s intention to top out the structure before the builders’ break in December 2022. Among the distinguishing features of 5 Parks Boulevard is a shaped concrete apron running around the building between the first and second floors, and a large terrace on the fourth floor. The green design will include photovoltaic panels on the roof, which will generate renewable energy for up to 90% of the tenants’ needs. Muller highlights that the choice of glass windows – about half of which will be double-glazed – has been made to support the energy efficiency requirements of the Green Star rating. Thin-glazed glass will be mainly used on the atrium side, with punch windows being installed for the rest of the building. One tower crane facilitates the quick pace of construction, moving material for the wet trades and other functions including the placement of plant on the upper levels as building progresses. It also assists with placing concrete for the vertical elements – while concrete for horizontal elements is pumped. In compliance with the Green Star rating criteria, the building process is conducted within the confines of an environmental management plan and waste management plan. Concor’s ISO 14001 environmental certification calls for the project’s suppliers and subcontractors are sourced where possible within 40 km of the site to reduce the CO 2 footprint.

The development of small enterprises in the supply chain remains a focus in the 5 Parks Boulevard contract, as it does with all Concor’s other construction activity. Muller notes that the company’s way of working with subcontractors ensures not only that they hone their business and technical skills, but that they deliver quality performance as a result. This, he says, raises their game and makes them inherently more sustainable, while not compromising the broader project in any way. “Space on the site is fairly constrained, so basements will be used to store some of the materials and equipment,” he says. “This includes items like tiles, as well as heating, ventilation and cooling plant which is ordered well in advance.” He highlights Concor’s focus on safety and close supervision as key elements of successful construction projects. This project will see the total headcount on site rise to about 400 at peak times, which Concor manages with its compact professional team. “The advantage of being so active at Oxford Parks over an extended period is that our staff and subcontractors have become very familiar with the working environment and standards – so they know what is required of them,” he says. “They coordinate their activities well, and our quality and safety systems become second nature. The constructive collaboration with the client’s team of consultants is also essential to success.” Concor will take the building to grey box stage, after which the anchor tenant will take beneficial occupation in February 2023 and begin their tenant fit out. They plan to occupy the third and fourth levels of the new building. 

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Consistent mix results has enabled the reduction of recycling time of each slab to nine or 10 days.

21 st Best Project Awards 2022