Plumbing Africa February 2020 | Page 32

30 PROJECT City living demands an innovative hot water solution By Eamonn Ryan What makes the 158 rental units at the eight-floor 2A Harrison St, Marshalltown overlooking Standard Bank’s head office on Rissik Street, unique is the choice to use a decentralised water heating solution provided by Stiebel Eltron’s instantaneous water heaters. One way of adapting and reusing vacant office buildings is conversion into housing. However, it creates unique challenges, such as long ribbon windows not meant to be separated into units; in this case a massive safe on the ground floor of the premises; and bathrooms situated on staircase landings. The building is the old Trust Bank building, that is being refurbished by developer Lightwell Properties into 158 accommodation units. “There was a massive safe on the ground floor that took about six months to remove,” says Simeon Kahan, plumber at Pro Plumbing. The project commenced at the beginning of August, with a deadline of two floors complete by 1 October, which was achieved, and the floors already let. The final three floors were in the process of being completed in late November last year, with 12 additional units being built on the roof. The interior is decorated with face-brick that has been brushed with rhinolite for a smooth, maintenance-free surface. The architect, Greg Katz, also created a community feel through the use of vibrant and colourful common sitting facilities. The location of the building is an attraction, directly facing Standard Bank’s CBD offices – an area Katz describes as ‘a nice part of town’. The plumber’s perspective Instantaneous water systems suit a simple configuration of shower, basin and sink. www.plumbingafrica.co.za @plumbingonline @plumbingonline Tight deadlines meant Pro Plumbing had to work hand in @PlumbingAfricaOnline February 2020 Volume 25 I Number 12