COROBRIK CONTRIBUTES TO INNER CITY REJUVENATION
The quality, durability and overall affordability of Corobrik’s face brick range has seen it form
part of several inner-city rejuvenation schemes across the country, with the latest Heritage
View development in Brickfields, Newtown Johannesburg forming an eye-catching example.
“Corobrik’s strapline of ‘Building a Better Tomorrow Together’ truly embraces the need
to provide quality accommodation where people work, drawing people back to the Central
Business Districts which, unfortunately, have become rundown and neglected across the
country,” explained Musa Shangase, Corobrik’s Commercial Director.
Corobrik has been involved in numerous inner-city rejuvenation projects in Randburg,
Hillbrow, Berea, Yeoville, Thembelihle Village in Pretoria, Townlands in Marabastad as well
as several Johannesburg locations.
The latest low-cost housing development in Newtown, Johannesburg – developed by
the Johannesburg Housing Company – was constructed using 1m of Corobrik’s Terracotta
Satin face bricks. For this particular project, Corobrik remained true to its commitment of
urban improvement by providing the product at a special rate.
According to contract manager, Juan Abrahamse of Tyris Construction, the eight-block
development consists of 164 middle-class units, strategically designed using the face brick
and plaster façade.
“Corobrik’s face brick is extremely good quality while also being comparative in cost,”
said Abrahamse. “They are a particularly good choice for the inner-city area as they have
sound insulation properties that make for a better living environment. We managed to attain
a great aesthetic appeal through the use of varying coloured plaster panels, alternating with
the face brick, which creates an upmarket, city look.”
Because inner-city rejuvenation projects are cost-driven, Corobrik is often chosen as it
offers a wide-range of products across all pricing spectrums. In Pretoria, 1 on Mutual was
constructed using a high-end Silvergrey Satin and Travertine in combination, with solid bricks
for feature accents. At the other end of the scale, Montana Light and Moroccan have been
widely because of the aesthetics and cost-effectiveness.
“Costs are further saved because of thermal efficiency, as the brick is slow to heat in
summer and retains warmth in winter,” expanded Shangase. “The high-rise nature of these
projects also means that the structures are exposed to the elements. Maintenance-free
Corobrik face bricks leaves the building looking pristine, compared to painted structures which
show dirty marks, cracks and weathering. For the building’s owner, return on investment is
enhanced as there is no need for expensive scaffolding to re-paint.”
Corobrik’s Shangase added that, in addition to the superior acoustic performance mentioned
by offered by face brick, they also create a more fire-resistant building, improving safety
measures in such high density residential areas. The natural clay substance also gives off
no volatile organic compounds, making the building a healthier environment in which to live.
Below: Corobrik’s Terracotta Satin face brick sets a new standard at the new Heritage View
development in Brickfields, Newtown Johannesburg
NEWSWORTHY
CERAMIC PANELS BONDED
TO SANDTON OFFICE
BLOCK FAÇADE WITH NEW
DOW CORNING SILICONE
A new D ow Corning adhesive for
non-glazed façade cladding was
provided by a.b.e. Construction
Chemicals
for
the
extensive
panel bonding required for the
façade of the 4 Stan Road office
development in Sandton.
Grant Batty, National Sales &
Segment Manager: Silicones &
Adhesives for a.b.e., says the
composite 1.2m by 2m Laminam
ceramic panels used to clad a
700m 2 section of the façade of
the building were bonded with
Dow Corning 896 Panel Fix. “This
revolutionary adhesive is a one-
part, neutral curing alkoxy silicone
sealant designed for non-glazed
façade applications to structurally
bond two substrates together –
and was ideal for this project.”
Approved applicator, Rudolph &
Van Vuuren, supplied the imported
3mm
thick
Laminam
ceramic
panels and bonded the panels to
aluminium frames which were
then fixed to the façade’s concrete
substrate. The Dow Corning 896
Panel Fix sealant system not only
simplifies panel tiling but also
substantially
expands
cladding
design possibilities. “The elastic
adhesive is specifically designed
for non-glazed panel applications
that require high durability and
fast handling. The Dow Corning
896 Panel Fix System eliminates
the need for mechanical fasteners
which
means
that
unsightly
connection and fixing points are
hidden.” www.abe.co.za
News Watch
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