PROJECT
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sub-contractors under time pressure. “The same applies
to all the shiny taps and fittings. Towards the end of the
project everyone is under time pressure and the taps end
up getting scratched, for which the plumber is liable. Our
response to that is to protect these items by wrapping them
in bubble wrap,” he explains.
Changing the sequence of work is commonplace in every
job, he says, yet these changes are seldom incorporated into
future sequences – the same old sequence that was found
not to work is automatically used again in the next project.
“The most unique feature of the Serengeti plumbing system
is that it is almost entirely invisible – pipes are not to be seen
anywhere, only the tap, bath, basin and shower finishes are
visible. It is also silent.”
One of the challenges of the project was that by now
most of the units in Phase 1 were occupied, and the
considerable amount of construction still taking place had
to be done during highly curtailed work hours of 08:00 to
17:00. “People opt to reside here because of its out-of-the-
city quiet, charm and privacy, and that characteristic had to
be maintained throughout construction.”
This means there is a veritable traffic jam at 08:00 at the
contractors’ entrance as everyone arrives for work. Many of
them live conveniently in Tembisa, a 20-minute drive away
even in peak hour traffic.
Water and energy efficiency
The project has energy- and water-efficient systems
specified wherever possible. Du Toit says that Hansgrohe
provided aerated shower roses which reduce the volume
of water without affecting the experience of showering.
“When showering, you’d think you’ve used five litres
when you’ve only consumed two. Such ‘green’ taps are
becoming standard in new projects. The problem remains
free-standing baths which have to be filled for a satisfying
experience.
“Energy efficiency is obtained via the heat pumps and the
tanks, and thereafter any efficiencies can only really come
from how the hot water system is used. There’s been a big
debate between solar systems and heat pumps, but which
is preferable comes down to how hot water is being used.
Where hot water is not often used – yet when you want
hot water it must be immediately available – solar heating
is good. Where hot water is used every day, a heat pump
is useful in reducing electricity consumption. Both systems
will have a back-up element which defaults to the mains
electricity,” he says.
Taps and other finishes had to be bubble wrapped to prevent damage by other
sub-contractors in the rush to complete on time.
There are three property styles: the larger three-bedroom units of
139m² face directly onto the Championship Whistling Thorn Golf
Course; a second north-facing building offers two- and three-bedroom
apartments measuring up to 120m²; while the third apartment type
comprises of 12 luxury apartments laid out over two floors. PA
PROJECT NAME:
Whistling Thorns Phase & The Lakes
LIST OF PROFESSIONALS NAME OF COMPANY
Owner African Kingdom Holdings
Developer African Kingdom Holdings
Architect/Designer DHK Architects
Project manager ECHO Project Managers
CONSULTING
ENGINEER
CONTRACTORS
Electrical Aftek Consulting Engineers
Wet services MG Consulting
Civil BSM Baker
Main building Stefanutti Stocks
HVAC & R Curries Air
Wet services Industrial Plumbers
Electrical Presto Electrical
Hot water system for Phase 2: EMS Plumbing & Heating
The future General PlumbLink
Work at Serengeti is by no means finished. Plans are afoot
for a shopping mall, hotel and more. Bricks, cement, etc Builders Supply
Precast slabs CCS
Roof trusses HTNP
Sheeting HTNP
The Whistling Thorns development has been introduced to
Serengeti Estates specifically to offer a broader range of
housing options to the public in Kempton Park. It is located
on the second fairway of the Serengeti's nine-hole golf
course, and comprises of 188 luxury apartments, with
architectural design by DHK Architects, laid out over three
individual unit blocks. The buildings are spread out over a five
hectare site, with plenty of green space between apartment
blocks creating a mood of seclusion and enhancing the feel
of tranquillity, which is the estate’s hallmark.
November 2019 Volume 25 I Number 9
PRODUCT SUPPLIERS Aluminium windows
AMA Aluminium
Hot water heaters: Kwikot
Fire Shaya Fire
Mixers Hansgrohe
Baths Libra
Free standing baths Pat O’Kelly (Pretoria)
www.plumbingafrica.co.za