Construction World January 2018

existing dams without affecting their operations and stability, which is also a notable achievement for the project team. A great example of a renewable energy project in Africa “We are honoured to receive this award. There is considerable potential for hydropower development in Africa and the Stor- temelk Hydropower Project is a great example of a renewable energy project that will benefit thousands of people in the community for years to come,” says Bertrand Rochecouste Collet, Aurecon Project Director. André Eksteen from Earthworld Architects comments: “We are very proud of working with Aurecon and REH on this project and have ensured that the end product resulted in a non-traditional power plant that blended with its environment and caused minimum visual impact. The shell of the building is fragmented, with light spilling into the main generator room through ‘crevices’. A polycar- bonate skin was used and covered with ‘fragmented’ corten cladding. Not only does this allow natural daylight in, but it also becomes a metaphor when light from the plant itself spills into its surroundings at night. This beacon of light is quintessential to REH’s philosophy of sustainable development with minimal environmental but maximum sustainable social impact.” The construction commenced in October 2014 and, 22 months later, reached commercial operations date in July 2016, on time and within the project budget, without using any of the project contingencies. “It is rewarding to be involved in a project that delivered many firsts for hydropower stations in South Africa. I would like to thank the client, my team, our architects and everyone involved this project that inspires Africans and enhances the sustainability of the region,” concludes Collet. 

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD JANUARY 2018