Construction World September 2015

PROJECTS AND CONTRACTS

Since 2012 when the turnover of the company was under R50-mil- lion, Big Ben has grown from a small, niche residential contractor specialising in low-rise construction to a medium size contractor with a diversified work portfolio across commercial, residential and even specialist projects and a growing track record of high rise construction. MD Colin Ridley says they expect this upward trend to continue for the foreseeable future at least as they already had an order book of more than R250-million for the 2016/2017 financial year. He said while the bulk of their work load was for Rabie’s account at Century City, they were also undertaking projects for Rabie outside of Century City and for third parties both inside and outside of Century City. Recent specialist projects undertaken include a day hospital at Century City where the company was able to meet the exacting technical specifications. Ridley says the company’s staff complement has grown in line with its turnover. Four years ago it employed nine managerial staff and a workforce of 20 and this now stands at over 20 managers and a work force of 80. Work recently completed includes the second phase of the Greenford office project in Kenilworth comprising a total of 5 600 m 2 in seven stand alone office blocks. At Century City it has undertaken an office block in The Estuaries for Horizon Capital, the Quays mixed use development comprising 92 apartments in two blocks and a 4 000 m 2 commercial component consisting of 36 sectional title office suites and a restaurant as well as 140 residential apartments and seven villas in Ashton Park. “We are currently busy with Mayfair – also a mixed use development FIVE-FOLD IN FIVE YEARS Big Ben Construction, the construction arm of Rabie Property Group, has lifted turnover five- fold in the past four years with further strong growth forecast. >

Petri Wessels, Colin Ridley and Eddie Cupido on the construction site of Mayfair mixed use development at Century City.

comprising 136 apartments in two blocks and 3 000 m 3 of sectional title offices at Century City due for completion in Easter next year – and we are now coming out of the ground with Manhattan Quarter, another residential development of 63 apartments on basement parking. “In addition we are shortly to start work on a 190 unit residential devel- opment outside the confines of Century City.” Ridley says their order book for the next financial year includes a nine- storey residential apartment block in Century City. “We have done a number of high rise buildings of late but this will be the first time we will have exceeded five levels and we are looking forward to the challenge.” The key to Big Ben’s success, he says, is their hands-on, passionate approach to construction and their striving for continuous improvement in both systems and quality. “This is not a nine to five industry. It is literally 24/7. One is continually on call and the attention to maintenance is as important as the construction in terms of delivering both the ultimate client experience and building a track record of excellence.”

BALLITO’S NEW ENTRANCE Entering the bustling coastal town of Ballito on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, pedestrians are welcomed by the recently completed walkways made up of Corobrik’s range of clay pavers.

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A total of 3 600 m² Burgundy pavers have been used to construct the side- walks and islands along both sides of Ballito Drive, extending from Greenfields Road near the new N2 interchange, all the way to the M4 intersection. Dave Duke, general manager of Urban and Social Development Africa Division for SMEC South Africa, said the project, which started in August 2014 and completed on 18 June this year, was essential for the area. “Ballito has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years and required a major road and sidewalks upgrade to provide for increased traffic and ensure pedestrian safety,” explained Duke. “The transformation of the old low-volume, rural-type access road into a new, urban environ- ment required improved aesthetics.” He said that, it was for this reason, that Corobrik’s Burgundy pavers were selected. “They add rich colour and contrast to create a quality urban environment.” Duke said that a herringbone pattern was selected because of its increased interlocking strength. “This ensures the movement of the pavers is limited and the risk of pavers shifting or lifting is reduced,” he said. Depending on future urban design, upgrades and budget availability, Duke said the paving could be extended into Ballito. Corobrik’s director of sales Allin Dangers, said >

the clay pavers were the perfect choice for an outside area that will have to endure high levels of foot traffic. “The pavers, which undergo an intense firing process, offer outstanding durability while retaining colour over time,” said Dangers. “As shown in the many inner city and urban landscape upgrades across South Africa, the colourfast hues of fired clay provide the propen- sity to uplift urban environments in a stylish yet unobtrusive manner.”

He said clay pavers are also a safe choice as they are smooth so easy towalk on and skid resistant in wet weather. Zayne Sayed, con- tracts manager for Afri- scan appointed Advanced R e t a i n i n g & Pa v i n g Systems to install the pavers. Sayed said that the main challenge was to ensure the safety of the pedestrians while working. The construction team needed to remain focused on the work during the period of high traffic volumes in Ballito.

Corobrik’s Burgundy pavers have been used to construct the sidewalks and islands along both sides of Ballito Drive, extending from Greenfields Road near the new N2 interchange, all the way to the M4 intersection.

CONSTRUCTION WORLD SEPTEMBER 2015