Architect and Builder July/August 2015 | Page 10

NEWSWORTHY NEW POLYCARBONATE WINDOW PROTECTION FROM TRELLIDOR The newest Trellidor addition range of to the protective barriers for windows is a more muscular version of the transparent polycarbonate panels being installed as an alternative to conventional burglar bars. Most available designs can’t really be classified as burglar proofing whereas Trellidor Polycarbonate Bar has strengthening features that lift it into this realm. Each custom-made unit is framed in extruded aluminium for a neat finish and improved strength. The frame ensures that fixings are difficult for intruders to access or remove and the unique tamperproof fixing system improves strength under attack. Units are fixed into the substrate surrounding the window rather than attaching it to the window frame. The result is an attractive form of window protection that is hardly noticeable, effectively keeps out monkeys and baboons, and stands up well to human intruders. In terms of looks, it conforms to the requirements of most lifestyle estates where primates are more of a problem that criminals. Trellidor available Polycarbonate through Bar Trellidor franchises countrywide. www.trellidor.co.za 0861 873 55 4367 8 is authorised FRESH PROJECTS LAUNCHES EASY TO USE FEE AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SOLUTION FOR SA ARCHITECTS The March 30 update of the Recommended Fee Guidelines for Architects has certainly caused a stir in the industry. The 40% increase in fee values has raised some eyebrows and many architectural firms have questioned if the new fee values will be accepted by clients or if it will in practice just result in higher discount levels. Fortunately Fresh Projects has come to the rescue of firms who ar e now even more unsure of what fee value they should be charging. Fresh Projects is the brainchild of Simon Berry, and was born out of the frustration he and other construction industry professionals were experiencing with the existing archaic and disconnected system of fee calculations, project discounts and project resourcing. Uncertainty and inexperience has led to an uncontrolled race to the bottom as firms offer unsustainable discounts in an attempt to outdo each other. Simon realised that there were no easy-to-use tools for managing the complexities of professional services on construction projects simply. Tools take the stress and uncertainty out of project admin and control, allowing architects to focus on the work they love to do i.e. designing, creating & innovating. Fresh Projects is an online platform that is taylor-made for South Africa’s Architects and allows you to easily and quickly: • Create a project resource plan that will establish the cost to deliver the project; • Calculate the project fee according to the SACAP guidelines (including all adjustments), establish a discount level that will still result in a profit and produce a branded fee letter with a single click; • Automatically track time and expenses that your team spends on a project - to ensure that the project retains its profit margins. There are also a number of advanced features like automatic review of project and client profitability (actual and forecast) and employee efficiency analysis. For more info see www.freshprojects.co.za News Watch