PROJECT
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One of the criteria we insist on in all our projects, is that
the installer is trained for the given project. Geberit gave
us the support that was needed to ensure their product is
always installed using the correct methods. The in-depth
training and constant refresher courses ensured that a
high level of installation success could be maintained. It
also gave them the opportunity to go back to the product
developer and report installation challenges,” says Abbink,
adding that the partnership with Geberit bore fruit, not only
for Acsiopolis, but also for Geberit.
“It was a very proud moment when the Geberit product
developer came over to South Africa to give their input on
the project. This was when we realised that our system
of involving suppliers and the installer would allow us in
Africa to meet the expectations of a full European-quality
installation,” he says.
GPS PRECISION
The tight spaces involved also meant that it quickly
became apparent that everything needed to be absolutely
precise and that traditional methods were not necessarily
the best for ensuring a high-quality installation.
“This project required accuracy. After doing the first few
floors of cast-in drainage, we realised that using the
gridlines provided to us was not giving us the desired
accuracy for each point, so we brought in a GPS
mapping system that gave us the opportunity to install
our points with higher accuracy levels than before,
ensuring the plumbing points were in exactly the right
position relative to everything else in the building,” says
Abbink. “The cast-in system really did a lot to speed up
the plumbing installation process. This, combined with
the GPS system, optimised the production not only
from a plumbing perspective, but from a building
perspective as well.”
EFFICIENT INSTALLATION
Installation speed was also achieved by using the HDPE
and Mepla pipes, which Abbink insists were much
quicker and easier to install once the necessary training
had been completed.
“With dozens of kilometres of pipe that needed to be
insulated, we took the decision to use a pipe-insulating
product. The product reduced the need to go back and
insulate,” he says.
This insulation proved crucial on the sustainability score
of the building.
to reheat the water. So there is constant access to hot
water without a lot of additional energy input. The heat
pumps are also programmed to stop once the water
has reached the desired temperature,” says Abbink,
who adds that taps, shower heads, and toilets were all
chosen with sustainability in mind.
With a project as technologically advanced as this one,
an installation team that needed a total overhaul on
training, and a number of unique challenges, Abbink says
the key to success was always going to be teamwork.
“There is no barrier between the installer and the
consultant. Everyone in the plumbing team, and on this
project, is involved and committed to its success. As
soon as a problem is identified, all parties contribute to
it being solved and push to make sure the job continues
to go forward. It is this kind of collaboration that has led
to a successful plumbing design and installation, and will
eventually lead to a successful project,” he explains.
Acsiopolis is set to be completed by September 2019. PA
The mixed-use
project Acsiopolis
is expected to be
completed in 2019.
LIST OF PROFESSIONALS
Developer Acsion
Architect / Designer Groskopff Lombart and Huyberechts (GLH)
Project manager Groskopff Lombart and Huyberechts (GLH)
Consulting engineer Sotiralis consulting engineers (SCE)
Electrical engineer Demetriou Electrical (DTE)
Mechanical engineer Meccanitek
Wet services engineer Abbink Consulting
Civil engineer Joe de Mesquita
Contractors
Main building MECSA
HVAC & R Airclima
Wet services Thermowise
Electrical Demetriou Electrical (DTE)
“The use of a heat pump, with properly insulated
pipes, means that less heat loss takes place during the
circulation process, which reduces the energy required
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
January 2019 Volume 25 I Number 1