NEWSWORTHY
SAOTA ’ S FIRST MONOGRAPH : LIGHT SPACE LIFE
Light Space Life is the first monograph from internationally recognised South African architecture studio SAOTA ; known for crafting exceptional modern buildings that forge powerful connections to their extraordinary settings . Presenting twenty three memorable and distinctive residences selected from its wide-ranging global output , the book celebrates thirty-five years of innovative residential design from Lagos to Los Angeles , including houses from the dramatic South African coast where it all began . SAOTA has designed luxury residential and commercial projects on six continents . With reference to South African Modernism , and a grounding in the International style , its projects take advantage of wildly beautiful settings , and are rooted in place by the relationship between the building and its site . The practice cites spirit of enquiry and close examination of function and form as hallmarks of its work , as well as the use of the most current technology in its design processes . SAOTA , a leading firm of architects is driven by the dynamic combination of Stefan Antoni , Philip Olmesdahl , Greg Truen , Phillippe Fouché , Mark Bullivant and Logen Gordon who share a potent vision easily distinguished in their practices . Available online and in selected bookstores : www . thamesandhud sonusa . com / books / light-space-lifehouses-by-saota-hardcover
COROBRIK EXTENDS ITS PRODUCT RANGE
Corobrik is highlighting its ongoing innovation by extending its existing product range . “ For us as a brand and as a business , being flexible in responding to changing market requirements remains a top priority ,” says Sales Director Ockert van Heerden .
“ Architects are creative by design and want a signature look , as well as to challenge the industry and push boundaries . They observe the prevalent international trends and question if it is possible to introduce these for the South African market ,” notes van Heerden .
As a manufacturer , Corobrik then evaluates these opportunities to see what is practical to implement . “ Our technological capability gives us great flexibility in being able to respond to market requirements in terms of textures and colours , for example ,” says van Heerden .
The latest developments in Corobrik ’ s product range came about when W Design Architecture Studio requested a travertine or textured finish specifically for Black Brick and Onyx from the Satin face brick range . As a result of the client input , Corobrik has added the travertine finish to four of its existing well-known Satin face bricks , including Black , Onyx , Titanium , and Platinum .
Architect Johan Wentzel explains that W Design Architecture Studio has carried out a few projects where it combined a travertine finish face brick with Corobrik ’ s Black Brick Satin . “ It was readily apparent that the travertine was forgiving in terms of allowing for a much better overall finish . This resulted in our suggestion to Corobrik to include a travertine finish on its flagship range .”
Architect Grete Van As adds that W Design Architecture Studio was excited to receive a sample of the new product . “ Our initial order has already been delivered to site for an office development we are working on . We think that architects are really going to love the travertine finish . It will change the way that architects use black bricks in their designs .” A particular advantage of the new face brick is that it can be combined with the satin finish , allowing for unique patterning to be created .
Another new addition to the Corobrik range is the Nougat clay paver . “ Again , this came about due to feedback from customers to say we see a trend in the paving and flooring market for natural colours , what can we do ?” says Van Heerden . Corobrik took on the challenge and produced such a warm , soft , and natural colour that Nougat seemed an appropriate name .
“ There is definitely a demand for such a colour range in the paver segment , and we look forward to developing further new products as well as extending our existing paver range ,” concludes van Heerden . www . corobrik . co . za
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