Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa January/February 2015 | Page 6

NewsWatch the latest news and products from the building industry and allied professions NEWSWORTHY NEW MBA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Allen Bodill has been named as the new Executive Director of the Master Builders Association of the Western Cape (MBAWC), effective from 1 March 2015. He replaces Rob Johnson, who passed away suddenly last year. According to Willem Vorster, who has been serving as the MBAWC’s Acting Executive Director while a permanent replacement was sought, “Allen brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in the industry and will greatly assist our association in achieving new strengths in the coming years.” Vorster continues, “He was selected for his extensive experience in the domestic, commercial, industrial and public sectors of the Cape Peninsula construction industry. He is also a highly competent strategic leader, who is adept at financial and budget management, human resource and stakeholder relationship management, labour relations and collective bargaining. He is also well-versed in construction dispute-resolution and adjudication, resource and procurement management, as well as organisational marketing. In addition, Allen is knowledgeable about dealing with construction contractual and legal issues.” 6 NEW LANDMARK ‘PAM GOLDING ON MAIN’ BUILDING TO UTILISE GROUND WATER The new ‘Pam Golding on Main’ P-Grade office and retail building in Kenilworth, Cape Town is growing out of the ground at a considerable rate. Situated on the corner of Main and Summerley Roads and developed at a total project cost in excess of R100 million, the 4,100m2 development is set to become a landmark in the area, incorporating a lively streetscape with al fresco dining after working hours. “Passersby can now gain a good sense of the scale of the building, the design of which will enhance the appeal and ambience of this area of Main Road,” says architect, Daniel Nugent of Vivid Architects. ‘What strikes one on site is the expansive view from the upper levels. Due to the low-scale nature of the built fabric along this portion of Main Road, tenants on these floors will enjoy virtually uninterrupted views to the north, east and west. While the west-facing views towards the close mountain ranges of Table Mountain and the Constantiaberg are particularly scenic, the views to the north and east offer glimpses of the two oceans – something we had not even imagined.” With the final section of the concrete roof slab cast, nearly completing construction of the concrete structure, brick work is currently being carried out. Garry Sheard, senior partner of consulting structural engineers, De Villiers Sheard, says the main reticulation pipes for the building services are being installed, while the basement levels are being cleaned out and brick linings constructed. “The look of the building should change rapidly as work is on track for completion towards the end of May 2015,” says Sheard. “An issue was the presence of ground-water, coupled with the significant amount of rainfall experienced while the excavation was open to the sky. While earlier geotechnical investigations conducted in 2001, which were for a shallower basement, showed no evidence of ground water, the addition of a third level of parking did intercept water. Known as a ‘perched’ water table, supplemented by underground run-off from winter rains, it is expected to diminish over the summer months and even dry up completely. “The developer has decided to use this water positively and it will now be pumped to storage tanks located at ground level. The volume stored will be balanced against available supply and the demands of irrigation, with capacity of up to four 5,500 litre tanks available. This water has been tested and proved suitable for irrigation. For further information contact Peter Golding or Teresa Cook on 021 426 4440 or email: [email protected] One of the scenic views from the roof level of Pam Golding on Main, a new P-Grade building which is under construction in Kenilworth, Cape Town. News Watch