Architect and Builder Jan 2022 | Page 4

NEWSWATCH

THE LATEST NEWS AND PRODUCTS FROM THE BUILDING INDUSTRY
NEWSWORTHY
NTT DATA CENTRE NEARS COMPLETION
Growthpoint Properties is on track to complete the turnkey data centre development of NTT Johannesburg 1 Data Centre at Centralpoint Innovation District in Samrand , in early 2022 . Described as the continent ’ s first truly interconnected marketplace , NTT Johannesburg 1 Data Centre is being developed by Growthpoint on behalf of NTT Ltd . Group , the world-leading global technology services provider ,
represented in Africa and the Middle
East by Dimension Data . Growthpoint has established itself as one of South Africa ’ s leaders in developing signature buildings tailored to the exacting requirements of its clients , including data centres . “ Dimension Data has been meticulous in its stipulations for the high-quality NTT Johannesburg 1 Data Centre . Working with them is an excellent experience as we understand their world-class requirements and can help them achieve this in the localised context of South Africa . We are proud of this partnership , and to be part of building NTT ’ s global growth , capabilities and capacity in Africa with Dimension Data while responding to Africa ’ s growing digital economy ,” says Estienne de Klerk , Growthpoint ’ s SA CEO . The centre will include 6,000m 2 of IT space and feature high-end offices with an NTT Technology Experience Lab ( TEL ), all supported by specialised state-of-the-art security solutions . Johannesburg 1 Data Centre is set to launch April 2022 .
GLASROC ® X EAVES , A NEW ALTERNATIVE TO FIBRE- CEMENT EAVES CLADDING
Saint-Gobain in South Africa has developed an innovative alternative to the dominant fibre-cement eaves cladding solution currently used in the industry . Glasroc ® X eaves , is Saint-Gobain Gyproc ’ s latest and distinctive offering , as it allows for a flush plastered finish in order to resist the rigours of the local external environment . This exterior cladding board aims to fully address the challenges of unstable climatic conditions , by providing a durable yet flexible solution . Often , the primary driver in the choice of material for this type of system , is that the material and installation must resist large temperature fluctuations and the natural movement of a structure .
“ The Glasroc ® X Eaves System is a durable external ceiling for use in covered , semi-exposed and exposed areas of buildings ,” explains Paul Louw , Product Category Manager , from Saint-Gobain Africa . Glasroc ® X is reinforced with a glass-mat on both surfaces , providing outstanding performance in harsh and humid environments . This non paper-faced board is free from cellulose content , and therefore has a strong inherent resistance to mould growth , which is perfect for wet areas and high-humidity environments .
Additionally , apart from its durable properties , Glasroc ® X presents an aesthetically pleasing eaves concealed ceiling extension , with no obvious jointing , other than where expansion joints are required . “ Adopting this new approach to exterior eaves cladding will support design excellence , improve the aesthetic comfort and simultaneously help us reach our goal of making the world a better home ,” says Louw .
This new alternative to fibre cement eaves has already been vigorously tested in the harsh climatic conditions of the United Kingdom , Ireland and mainland Europe - with great success . Due to its design and structure , the Glasroc ® X board has a high dimensional stability , making it ideal for large running external ceiling areas that are only interrupted at a maximum of every 15m for control joints . A prime example of this is office buildings . By satisfying an array of building configurations in South Africa , the new board is ready to enter both the local residential and commercial markets . www . gyproc . co . za
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