The mixed use Century City
Square development, which
was developed by the Rabie
Property Group at a cost of
R1billion, has been awarded
a 4-Star Green Star – Custom
Mixed Use Design rating by
the Green Building Council
of South Africa.
This is the first development
in the Western Cape to be
awarded this Custom Mixed
Use tool and only the second
in the country.
www.rabie.co.za
NEWSWORTHY
COROBRIK’S FACE BRICKS AND PAVERS ASSIMILATE
SOL PLAATJE UNIVERSITY WITH CITY OF KIMBERLEY
A range of Corobrik’s face brick and pavers were selected for the development of the
new Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley in the Northern Cape.
Together with the University of Mpumalanga, the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is the first
new university to be constructed since 1994. The buildings at SPU had to respond to the
historic, cultural and climatic aspects of the region while creating an attractive and suitable
study and social environment.
To achieve this level of quality architecture, the Department of Higher Education and
Training (DHET) launched the Sol Plaatje University architectural design competition in
2013 with five firms selected from 59 entries. These were Activate Architects, Savage and
Dodd Architects, Designworkshop SA, Wilkinson Architects in joint venture with Mashilo
Lampbrechts Architects and GXY Architects and URBA Architects and Urban Designers.
About 1 million of Corobrik’s Bergendal Light face bricks were used for the external
construction while 500,000 Flamingo Travertine face bricks were used internally. In addition
to this, some 300,000 of Corobrik’s Onyx and Nutmeg Piazza pavers were used extensively
throughout walkways and courtyards of the development.
“Corobrik’s face brick and paving range continues to be selected for construction in
government developments because of its sustainability and long-term cost effectiveness,”
explained Corobrik’s commercial director, Musa Shangase. “Institutions such as universities
will remain for years, representing elevated principles of academia and humanitarianism that
form the foundation of a functioning democratic society. The use of our quality face bricks
ensures these structures will remain – without the need for costly future maintenance –
while the natural aspects also provide a number of added benefits.”
In the Northern Cape climate, the thermal efficiency of the brick minimises the need
for artificial heating and cooling, meeting the criteria of the architectural competition. The
inherent noise resistance of the bricks is also beneficial in a busy academic setting.
The second phase of construction is currently underway and due for completion in
January 2017. This includes a teacher education building and new library while the third
stage – set for completion in January 2018 – includes two further academic buildings.
TURNER & TOWNSEND TO
PROJECT MANAGE HILTON
HOTEL REFURBISHMENT
Situated adjacent to the Durban
International Convention Centre,
the
Hilton
Hotel
is
currently
undergoing a major refurbishment,
which is being undertaken in five
phases. The project is scheduled
for completion in May 2017.
Midway through phase two, global
professional services consultants,
Turner & Townsend, were appointed as project managers for the
entire refurbishment programme.
With global experience in the
hospitality
industry,
Turner
&
Townsend has managed previous
projects for the Hilton Hotel group.
Says
Markus
Fritz,
general
manager for the Hilton Durban:
“The Durban Hilton Hotel refurbishment was initiated in order
to align it with the Hilton brand
values and architecture, which
have changed over the years.”
The refurbishment project has
already included the lobby and
Big Easy Restaurant in phase one,
conversion of what was formerly
a hotel bar to a business lounge,
ripping out fixtures and fittings
and restyling suites – including
the Presidential Suite - with a
fresh, new aesthetic feel, and
refurbishment of the executive
lounge. Still to be completed are
floors one to three which includes
refurbishment of the ballroom
and meeting and business room
levels in 2018.
www.turnerandtownsend.com
News Watch
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