Eastgate Solar Trees
SCULPTURAL / ARCHITECTURAL
Liberty Two Degrees ( L2D ) aims to minimise the impact of malls on the natural environment while creating spaces that are agile , adaptable and aligned to Sustainability Development Goals as well as L2D ’ s 2030 Net Zero carbon target . As an aspect of this goal , L2D ’ s Eastgate Shopping Centre has introduced three solar trees to the centre ’ s rooftop piazza .
The solar trees serve to provide a source of renewable solar energy to the centre and increase the public ’ s awareness of alternative and responsible energy sources , while providing an architecturally enriched identity . The solar trees are self-reliant , harnessing energy from the sun to illuminate at night . With a bespoke installation of lights , the trees also contribute to feature lighting in the piazza , while operating off the grid . The solar trees therefore come ‘ alive ’ in the evenings of their own accord for approximately 5 to 6 hours . The installation of the solar trees at the centre will contribute towards minimising the centre ’ s impact on the natural environment as well as L2D ’ s Net Zero target .
The solar tree concept at the piazza , inspired by a visit to Baines ’ Baobabs in the Botswana Nxai Pan National Park , doubles as public art and further aims to bring new energy to the area , enabling photo opportunities and a sense of community and connectedness between visitors .
The trees consist of tubular hollow steel sections that have a 20-year lifespan requiring minor maintenance . The hollow steel sections mostly resemble tree ‘ trunks ’ and ‘ branches ’ and are extremely flexible , allowing for the necessary bendability , and convenient transporting and installation . The solar panels are set to operate for 10 years and are easily replaced . The solar trees are covered in a stainless-steel net called Jakob Webnet , procured from Switzerland , and within this net , infills were
placed to create an architectural effect . Several solar photovoltaic panels mounted on top of each spiral , are able to provide light .
Client : Liberty Two Degrees Architect : Batley Partners Project Manager : Profica Project Managers Structural Engineer : Zutari Quantity Surveyor : MLC Construction Cost Consultants Electrical Engineer : MNS Engineering Lighting Consultant : Pamboukian Lightdesign Contractor : Anchor ENGinuity
Jubilee Hospital , Hammanskraal
LIGHT STEEL FRAME ( LSF ) BUILDING
At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic , the innovative use of light steel framing in this field hospital in Hammanskraal , north of Pretoria , allowed for the addition of a significant number of hospital beds to increase existing capacity , using this speedy construction methodology .
Futurecon was awarded the contract for the supply and erection of the Light Steel Framing for the internal and external walls and roofs - clad , lined and insulated with windows installed . They had to complete the project in 10 weeks between July and September 2020 . The project entailed the supply of 10,000m 2 of hospital wards and associated buildings , housing beds in general wards and in high and intensive care . The foundations were supplied by Concor .
1,000m 2 of hospital buildings per week had to be handed over . The delivery demands were maintained , barring two weeks when they were not allowed onto the site due to disturbance caused by the local communities .
The installers of the services found installation in the LSF walls very easy and quick , as there was no cutting and chasing of masonry walls required . They were able to carry out their work in tandem with the LSF project teams , speeding up the completion of the final project . Even before this project was finished , enquiries were received to upgrade the existing Jubilee hospital , and to supply hospital buildings in sub- Saharan Africa .
Light Steel Frame Contractor : Futurecon Steel Awards 99