Housing in Southern Africa July 2016

Bricks & Paving

Schooling in leopards rest Affordable housing specialists, Cosmopol i tan Proj ects in- house cont rac tor, Cent ra l Development Property Group, hasundertaken tobuild theRoyal School Alberton, near Leopards Rest housing development in Albertsdal. L eopards Rest residential devel- opment includes 4 500 housing opportunities, sectional title

units, free standing properties and rental stock. The project boasts an affordable private school as well as other amenities. With 600 houses currently under construction, units will be rolled out from mid-year. The Royal School Alberton has specified Corobrik’s Moroccan Red Travertine face bricks. The school is one of three managed by Royal Schools Management Com- pany, a partnership between Old Mutual Schools and the Education Investment Impact Fund South Africa, headed by Dr Bennie Fourie and his team. The aim is to deliver quality education at independent, low fee paying schools, through the provision of accessible facilities. The greenfield project includes 612 000 Corobrik Moroccan Red Travertine face bricks to enrich the school’s aesthetic appeal. Building commenced in May this year and is scheduled for completion by the end of September. The school already offers provided. On completion, the school will cater for 1 655 learners and 65 staff members. The choice of Corobrik Moroccan Red Travertine face bricks for the con- struction of the school was primarily for their robustness in a school envi- ronment, durability, and associated low maintenance attributes. “With sustainability a key requirement in modern construction, clay face brick eliminates the need for material re- placement, saving on costs through- classes from pre-school to Grade 10. In 2017, Grade 11 classes will be introduced and Grade 12 in 2018. After- care facilities will also be

provides the most thermally efficient day-time occupancy in institutional buildings – such as schools – helping to ensure classroom environments are warm in winter and cool in sum- mer and conducive to better teaching and learning. At the newRoyal School Alberton, the combination of earthy face bricks with the turquoise roof coverings and brightly painted accent walls creates a striking image.” This state-of-the-art development has

out its lifetime,” said Corobrik’s Sales Director Ockert van Heerden. “Clay face brick hasmany other ad- vantages. It comes with a ‘desirability factor’ and provides a good balance between aesthetics and practicality. All in all, face brick is rightly regarded as a material of choice for defining a school building’s status as right and proper. Not many people give much thought to the contribution clay bricks, which contribute to good air

63 class rooms, two com- puter laboratories, three science laboratories, four pre-school classes with a well-equipped play area, a hall, a stage, tuck shop, ad- ministration block, several staff and meeting rooms,

΄Scientific research has demonstrated that clay brick walling provides the most thermally efficient day-time occupancy in institutional buildings΄

quality and healthy indoor environ- ments. The inorganic qualities of fired clay assure mineral properties guarantees a nearly pollution-free indoor air quality. Clay bricks' natu- ral propensity to absorb and release humidity from the atmosphere helps keep humidity at the desired 40 to 60% level for healthy living. Another important attribute of clay brick is its good thermal performance,” said vanHeerden. “Scientific research has demonstrated that clay brick walling

sports fields, drop-off zone for learn- ers anda staffparking area. Each class is equipped with laptops and Wi-Fi access. A complete security system will be enhanced by an electric perim- eter fence and cameras throughout the site. Whilst the catchment area for Royal Schools Albertsdal is mainly Katlehong, Thokoza and Vosloorus, it is only 20 km from the Johannesburg CBD and major industrial areas with direct access to highways. ■

July 2016