EDITOR’ S NOTE
Jax Oleum is a premium single-coat oil-based wood stain designed to enhance, protect, and bring out the natural beauty of wood. Jax Oleum offers a durable, long-lasting finish with refined colour depth and natural visual clarity, while maintaining the authentic look and feel of real timber.
In this winter edition, To Build has gone big on the use of natural materials in building projects. However, with the early onset of winter, we’ ve also curated a range of articles on architecture, design, construction, and home building – something to read while cosying up to a warm fire or other form of heating, hopefully an energy-saving one!
For professionals, we’ ve got thought-provoking contributions from leading architects on design, specialised typologies, the AI-human architectural interface, and other concepts that should stimulate debate.
Wood is a living, breathing material that changes over time. Jax Oleum is formulated to work with the natural structure of the wood rather than sit on top of it. By penetrating into the fibres, it strengthens the surface, nourishes the timber, and creates a finish that is both
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visually appealing and resilient.
Proudly produced in South Africa!
Meanwhile, several parties in the industry have sounded the alarm about the continuing deterioration of quality and safety on building sites. Fatal incidents remain a grave concern, exacerbated by cost-cutting measures and unregistered businesses winning contracts on cut-throat pricing.
The cost to South Africa’ s economy is real. Organised building and trade associations, major contractors, value-chain suppliers, and academics appear to be taking a stand – some good news in a troubling context. This edition of To Build probably contains more mentions of quality and site safety than any of our previous editions.
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+ 264 81 379 2625
August is Women’ s Month and in line with that, we feature two leading women in senior positions who are making significant contributions at a highly regarded independent firm.
In a world where there is much bad news, how can interior design and décor help us achieve a measure of inner peace? Read about the role of colour and what the colours of 2026 can do for our individual living spaces.
If you’ re in Cape Town in June, or Gauteng later in the year, don’ t forget that it’ s Decorex expo time. Find To Build at the Media Xpose stand and, if you say Hi, we might give you a free print copy!
So get that coffee and give us a read. It’ s a bumper edition that will not disappoint.
• Achieve beautiful results in a single coat on any uncoated timber, suitable for both interior and exterior use.
• Low VOC and high coverage – up to 50m ² per litre, depending on the wood type, offering excellent value and performance.
• Consistently high stock levels ensure fast and efficient turnaround on all orders.
• Explore a range of over 80 stunning shades to suit any design style or project.
• Competitively priced and supported by knowledgeable, responsive service you can depend on.
Drop me a line and share an opinion. editor @ tobuild. co. za
Gareth
JOHANNESBURG + 27( 71) 112 1494 + 27( 11) 444 7221
info @ jaxoleum. co. za
CAPE TOWN + 27( 82) 888 1641 + 27( 21) 205 5005
www. jaxoleum. co. za