African Design Magazine ADM #36 December 2017 | Page 12
“There is no doubt that there are many advantages to LSFB. Firstly, it is a cost-effective
building method, with financial savings coming mainly from significant time savings to
complete the building project, less rework, reduced logistical costs –which are of growing
importance due to the escalation of fuel prices and general construction inflation - and a
drastic reduction of rubble on building sites, when compared with the brick-and-mortar
alternative.” Nelis Genade, Project's architectural draftsman
Nelis Genade adds that the finishes in LSFB structures are typically be er than in
conventional houses and that the thermal insulation is excellent.
“This ensures a really energy efcient building making it easier to keep cool in summer
and warm in winter.” Nelis Genade, Project's architectural draftsman
It is a well-known fact that a LSF building is significantly more energy efficient than heavy
masonry dwellings – both with regard to 'embodied energy' of the materials and
components, as well as 'operational energy' relating to heating and cooling of the building
over its design life.
According to John Barnard, Director of SASFA, minimum insulation requirements of LSF
houses are specified in SANS 517 for each of the six different climate zones in South Africa.
Knysna falls in the 'Temperate Coastal' zone and external walls must have a minimum total
R-value (the measure of thermal insulation) of 2.2. By using Isover's Cavity Bat (102mm
12 africandesignmagazine.com