Housing in Southern Africa October-November 2016

Industry Buzz

Quick efficient and cost effective

N orwegian engineer, J Olav Selvaag, developed the Selcrete system as a solution for quality, energy efficient low cost housing. Selcrete has since proven successful in the Scandinavian con- struction industry and now for the first time, this leading solution is be- ing made available in Africa. Selcrete recently completed No- luthandoa, an early childhood de- velopment project in Khayelitsha, which impressed the City of Cape TownMayoral Committeemember for Social Development and Early Child- hood Development, Suzette Little says, “Establishments like these give our children a better future. We are all born with a God given talent. Oppor- tunities are not reserved for certain people or certain status groups but for all of us.” Selcrete CEO, Graeme Horwood says that the day care centre ac- commodates 265 children from two months old to six year old. “Phase Globa l brand, Se l crete , i s making inroads in South Africa’s infrastructure and residential sectors. The Agrément certified innovative building system offers a quality construction solution that reduces cost and environmental impact. T he world’s first safe and flex- ible walkway bridge prototype, developed by local engineer- ing solutions organisation, SureGO!, was one of the main attractions at the recent Electra Mining Africa 2016 exhibition at Nasrec, Johannesburg. Thousands of visitors made their way to the SureGO! stand to take a closer look at the intricacies of the flexible walkway bridge. The pon- toons or floats are fabricated from

1 included building a small utility hall, an administration block and classrooms using Selcrete blocks that are made of cement, expanded polystyrene beads, water and a bind- ing agent. The pilot project includes 12 new structures.” The blocks have a compressive strength of 7 MPa and a dry density between 250 kg/m³ to 600 kg/m³. These blocks are produced in moulds on site or factor with sizes of 590 x 190 x 150 mm for internal walls and 590 x 190 x 190 mm for external walls. The blocks are laid in conventional bonding method with mortar mixed with Silkalite as a binding agent. A 20 mm tremmet Polyvinyl Chloride mesh is applied to the external walls and finished off with plaster on both sides and painted. All services are conventional and electrical conduits andplumbing pipes are either surface HDPE, which is virtually indestructi- ble and corrosion proof. Thewalkway structure is fabricated frommild steel and fully hot dipped galvanized to ensureno corrosionon the structures. The handrail system is developed us- ing a combination of galvanized steel with polyurethane. Engineering company, SureGO! aims to provide safe and flexible temporary or permanent walkways and bridges specially designed to be used on water or shifting surfaces. Continuous overhead protection and roofing can also be provided to protect users fromoverhead dangers such as anchor cables as well as the elements. All walkways and bridges can be customised to suit the client’s specific requirements. ■

Bathrooms, Kitchens & Plumbing, Energy Efficiency, Green Building & IBTs, Bricks and Paving, Cement and Concrete, Building Supplies & Equipment, Roofing, Ceilings, Insulation & Cladding To advertise contact Brenda Grossmann on 011 622 4770 or email brendag@crown.co.za Our Next Issue H O U S I N G in Southern Africa Horwood explains the benefits of the innovative building technology, “Compared to brick and mortar the system offers greater insulation and fire resistant properties. The product was developed in Norway. If it works there, it canwork everywhere,” citing South Africa’s wet cold climate and hot summers. ■ mounted or grouted in to the walls. Horwood adds, “Projects can be realisedmuch faster, in less than half the time it takes for conventional building systems. This could translate to a saving of 25%. It is an attractive solution for budget-conscious proj- ects like Noluthando, or low-cost housing, where quality and afford- ability are important factors.”

Bridging the gap

H O U S I N G in Southern Africa www.housinginsamagazine.co.za

October/November 2016