SA Affordable Housing March / April 2018 // Issue: 69 | Page 29

FEATURES
Building on innovation
shapes our tech future
Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs) are changing the way in
which we consider construction.
Compiled by Benjamin Brits | Photos by Selcrete
IBTs reduce time and costs as well as promote health and safety.
I
BT is a generic term used to describe the use of non-
standard, innovative building systems, products and
materials, preferably made in a factory – either in part
or whole – and assembled on site.
IBTs can be classified according to:
• Mass
• On site or off site
• Type
IBTs are typically used to reduce time and costs of
construction but also improve quality and also to enhance
performance as well as promote health and safety. IBTs can
act as an agent of construction industry reform by
supporting the industrial development strategy, local raw
material beneficiation, increase employment opportunities
and a green economy through using less energy and water
to produce. All in all, contributing to the National
Development Plan.
Graeme Horwood, CEO and co-founder at Selcrete, says,
“Other than traditional concrete, brick and mortar, globally
and in the African context, there are a myriad of systems in
existence and coming into the market, which all fall under
what is known as Innovative Building Technologies.”
A SHIFT FROM TYPICAL BUILDING MATERIALS
Traditional building materials (TBMs) and their
methodology have been around for a long time. “TBMs are
not necessarily the most cost, time efficient or
environmentally friendly way of building,” adds Horwood.
With where we see ourselves currently, many
components have started to advance in terms of material
types and energy savings, as the global trend moves
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