Architect and Builder June 2017 | Page 64

THIS PAGE: The Manor House (Bosjes Herehuis) used to form the reinforcing for the shotcrete. The smooth exterior finish was created with Sika Monotop, which was painted. Although it gives the appearance that the Chapel roof lightly touches the ground at four points, the complete roof is actually supported by four hidden reinforced concrete buttresses and the vertical load on each of these supports is close to 50 tonnes. Challenges The biggest challenge was the construction methodology and detailing of the Chapel roof and glass façades. Early research found that such an intricate shape had never previously been 64 constructed in South Africa. A viable construction solution had to found that would be suitable for the Worcester climate and TV3 had to be realistic regarding skill and workmanship in the South African building sector. They realised hat it would be a challenge for the team to ensure that the design, together with the pre-contract documentation and detailing, were successfully transferred into building form and within the budget. Construction Challenges Main Contractors, Longworth & Faul, experienced some construction challenges unique to the design of the chapel: Bosjes Estate