Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa January/February 2014

NEWSWORTHY INDOOR PLANTS CAN HELP YOU ACCOYA WOOD CLADDING FOR THE ACADEMY OF THE JEWISH MUSEUM, BERLIN Accoya, the world-leading modified wood product manufactured by Accsys Technologies, has been selected as the main cladding material for The Academy of the Jewish Museum in Berlin. Designed as an extension to the current Jewish Museum, the 25,000 sq. ft. 1-storey Academy has been created with cube shaped timber structures which will house the museum’s library, archives and education centre. The selection of timber as the primary construction material has been a poignant decision. The use of wood represents the wooden crates used to transport books and precious objects. Manufactured using Accsys Technologies’ proprietary process, Accoya is one of the most advanced modified wood products on the market, delivering outstanding levels of performance, stability and durability. In most cases, matching or exceeding the performance attributes of tropical hardwoods, it also boasts excellent environmental credentials by using wood sourced from FSC certified and sustainable forests – while being 100% non-toxic. Bryan Crennell, Sales and Marketing Director for Accsys Technologies, said: “We’re delighted that Accoya has been chosen for the cladding of this striking and significant building. With durability guaranteed for 50 years above ground, this will enable The Academy to support the museum in telling the story of the Jewish people in Germany for many years to come.” www.accoya.com SA GREEN LEADER APPOINTED CHAIR OF WORLD GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL Experts have proven that indoor plants offer a natural solution to many interrelated challenges. Indoor plants play a significant role when it comes to managing the important relationship between temperature control and humidity levels. In the face of workplace health issues, BMW, at their Munich plant, undertook their own tests on the benefits of including indoor plants in the workplace. After gathering data from areas with, and those without, indoor plants, the statistics showed that 93% of the employees experienced an increase in motivation and feelings of improved health. Where plants were present, it was also found that better humidity levels led to improved comfort levels. Thermostatic control of temperature is the most commonly used method of regulating indoor temperatures. As a stand-alone measurement, this is not a true reflection of comfort levels – to achieve optimum thermal comfort, temperature has to be considered together with humidity, clothing, air velocity and other inter-dependent factors. Indoor plants go through a process called transpiration during which moisture is produced. This is presented in the form of moisture on the underside of their leaves. This natural ability to produce moisture, and the contribution this can make to maintaining optimum humidity levels, offers designers an effective and practical solution. www.ipsa.za.com Bruce Kerswill, Executive Chairman of the Green Building Council South Africa and the pioneer who led the charge in the formation of the local council, has been elected as the Chairman of the World Green Building Council (World GBC). Kerswill, who has been involved with the World GBC Exco since 2009, is passionate about green building and, having recognised that the lack of knowledge about green building in SA was limiting efforts in terms of global warming and international best practice, championed the initiative to set up the GBCSA. www.gbcsa.org.za News Watch 9

Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa January/February 2014 | Page 9