the team , resulting in a modern , functional and impressive new building .
The economics , versatility , strength and durability of concrete , together with the available skills in the construction industry , makes concrete as a construction material a natural choice . However , selecting concrete as a material for feature elements takes this choice to the next level . Concrete not only adds to the natural strong base required in the architecture but also exhibits the architecture in a more economical and durable way by means of managing the finish and crack control . The durability of concrete will allow for lower future maintenance costs while the versatility allowed flowing patterns to be created cost effectively .
The cost-effective use of concrete as floor slabs and for shear walls and its characteristic resistance to seismic events are well document , hence it needed no additional motivation as the building material of choice . In addition to the above , developments in concrete mix designs over the last few years have increased the environmental consideration of concrete use , specifically relating to incorporating slag in the concrete mix .
The concrete contained a high slag content , which is a by-product of steel production , is used to ensure the durability of the concrete and limit early thermal shrinkage / cracking of the concrete . Special care was taken with both the mix design and the construction procedure . Pour breaks and construction joints were carefully considered to mitigate the impact of shrinkage and the erection and installation sequence of the construction . Casting of floor slabs was mostly
scheduled to occur in cooler temperatures during late afternoons and early evenings to assist in reducing the effect of heat and cold on materials ( thermal effects ). Given that the construction took place as the City of Cape Town was experiencing a drought , snagging was offset using a combination of curing compounds , wet sand and hemp sheets for vertical members .
The building is a calculated play on concept , massing and forms whilst addressing intense requirements from a space planning and work environment point of view . The result is a building which has successfully created an inspirational environment where the organisation has flourished and settled for years to come .
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