Cold Link Africa November / December 2019 | Page 11

INTERNATIONAL
PROJECT
NEWS
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
Cinderblock construction showcased
at Emantini Seed Bank
Supplied by Paragon Group
The Emantini Seed Bank in Swaziland has showcased simple construction methods and innovative use
of materials to sculpt the user’s experience in an unexpected and inspiring way.
T
he Emantini Seed Bank is a high-
technology form of conservation to
safeguard genetic diversity whereby
scientists collect and document seeds,
and then store them in a refrigerated
facility, effectively creating a library of
plant genetics. The project consists of two
well-insulated refrigerated storage facilities,
a laboratory, amenities and a courtyard
space designed to host functions. It is
hoped that this landmark project by the
Paragon Group will encourage its
banks elsewhere.
The project brief specified a tight
budget. “Our success is testament to
how we, as a practice, can add value to
any project by making the most of any
budget. It also demonstrates our mastery
in design, and a capability to work in any
market sector,” Paragon group architect
Dewald Veldsman explains. Mouaz Sabha
replication as a template for similar seed
Paragon Group Architect,
Dewald Veldsman.
assisted with the construction packages, use unfinished, cost-effective concrete
while Kim Newell carried out the initial 3D blocks to create a beautiful piece of
visualisations. architecture, you hopefully inspire and
Due to the budgetary constraints, the
most cost-effective construction method
encourage others in the community to do
the same,” Veldsman says.
These cinderblocks were manufactured
was to use cinderblocks. “The humble
cinderblock is no stranger to a rural locally, which means minimal transportation
context. By demonstrating that one can costs. Some of the blocks were altered by
COLD LINK AFRICA •
November/December 2019
Cinderblock construction was the most cost-effective construction method.
www.coldlinkafrica.co.za
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