Construction World November 2017

Face brick also has incredible

One of the blocks of rental accommodation construc- ted at The Junction in Centurion, Pretoria. building to store heat and remain cooler for longer than lightweight structures. thermal efficiency which enables the

The durable nature of face bricks allows for the construction of solid homes that promise homeowners

and laid as a single skin. This means it offers a solution that is applicable across a wide spectrum, from low-cost subsidised housing (at 40 m 2 ) to gap housing (80 m 2 ) and the affordable housing (80 m 2 ) arenas. “Corobrik’s CoroJem face bricks were a response to government’s call for quality, inexpensive and maintenance-free houses,” continued Shangase. “Double skin walling is approximately 20% more expensive in the wall than CoroJems through the wall format. This means savings on mortar and labour, reducing the overall costs of CoroJem construction. In a relatively short period of time, we have seen the CoroJem emerge as a frontrunner for the holistic solution it affords.” CoroJem, along with all Corobrik’s face bricks, is associated with many beneficial qualities that are perfectly suited to the affordable housing market, the first of which is the cost-saving attributes. CoroJem and other Corobrik face bricks are extremely cost- effective as they don’t need to be plastered or painted. This saves on future maintenance costs, particularly important in the affordable housing market. Face brick also has incredible thermal efficiency which enables the building to store heat and remain cooler for longer than lightweight structures. It deals efficiently with extremes of temperature in both summer and winter so that, regardless of how hot it becomes outside in the daytime or how much cooler it gets inside the house at night, the interior remains comfortable. In a country like South Africa, with such extreme climates, this insulation is incredibly beneficial to occupants who can’t necessarily afford artificial heating or cooling systems. The nature of affordable housing developments often necessitates the construction of homes in relatively close proximity. Face brick further proves its worth, under these conditions, in two regards. Firstly, the material density provides a natural sound barrier which facilitates quiet indoor environments, offering a form of sound insulation. Secondly, face brick also has incredible fire-resistant properties which assist in preventing the spread of fires and minimising any damage as a result. Air quality, for residents, is ensured as the mineral properties of the clay prevent the release of volatile organic compounds which are known to impinge on indoor air quality. They also facilitate the absorption and release of moisture from the air to help keep humidity within a 40 to 60 percent level for healthy living. This, again, promotes comfort and also serves to protect household valuables.

longevity. This, once again, saves on costs associated with maintenance or re-building of homes, pertinent in a sector where savings are very meaningful. Because of these qualities, clay brick construction is increasingly being recognised as a vital component of green building in the quest to find solutions that eliminate or meaningfully reduce adverse impacts of development on the environment and its occupants. “Comparative studies undertaken by WSP Green by Design show face brick building as the most viable way forward for house construction in South Africa,” explained Shangase. “This is directly related to its competitive built cost, thermal comfort, life-cycle energy costs and overall life-cycle costs,” said Shangase. “The attractive, earthy tones that come from creating bricks from clay result in a really stunning finished product and it’s this aesthetic quality that really makes a house feel like a home.” Upliftment through training programmes Corobrik continues to uplift the lives of those in disadvantaged communities by empowering individuals through its extensive training programmes. The organisation has three training centres namely Lawley Centre in Gauteng, Avoca Factory in KwaZulu-Natal and Lansdown Centre in the Western Cape. The three centres, which are not-for-profit, are solely focused on upskilling South African citizens through an extensive training programme. The instructors – all of whom are qualified artisans and assessors accredited with a Construction CETA –lprovide theoretical training in class, with participants then given real-world experience with some on-site practical experience. On successful completion of the training programme, candidates receive a certification, empowering them with the skills to secure employment in the construction field or even start their own businesses. “Skills development remains a key priority in South Africa and Corobrik is committed to playing a meaningful role in this process,” said Shangase. “Our three training centres are designed to provide unskilled workers in both the public and private sectors with recognised qualifications in bricklaying, blocklaying and segmental paving disciplines. “Corobrik will continue to play an important role in the building of the South African nation, offering high quality products for the creation of sustainable, appealing buildings that citizens are proud to call ‘home’,” concluded Shangase. 

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD NOVEMBER 2017