TO BUILD Publication - Issue 3

issue 3

To Build HandbookIssue 3 July 2011

Issue 3 July 2011

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DIssue 3

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TO BUILD | ISSUE 3

The man that stops advertising to save money is like the man who stops the clock to save time Thomas Jefferson

To advertise your products and services to the correct targeted audience, wont make you stop advertising because it is value added to your products and services. TO BUILD promises to deliver constant excellence in exposure to get our advertisers direct exposure to their targeted audiences. We are very thankful for our regular advertisers who see the value of advertising in TO BUILD.

It is with great pleasure to announce that our new website was launched, which is more user friendly and will get our advertisers additional exposure at no extra cost www.mediaxpose.co.za

I would like to once again thank all of our advertisers for their great support and we are looking forward to see all of you on board again, within the next issue which is due in November 2011.

Please note that all editorial content can be forwarded to our editor, Peter J Muller, for possible publication for future issues [email protected]

Please visit us at our stand (Hall 3 Stand D17) at Decorex Johannesburg, from 5 to 9 August, at the Gallagher Convention Centre.

I trust that you will enjoy reading this issue of TO BUILD.

All the BestElroy

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TO BUILD | ISSUE 3

Publishers

Media XPOseexcellence in exposure

Shaun Mayselroy van HeerdenCell: +27 72 365 [email protected]

Tel: +27 21 433 1348 / 2309Fax: +27 86 516 7277PO Box 27337, Rhine Road, 8050

editOrPeter MullerCell: +27 76 155 [email protected]

editOrial COntributOrsAndrea VinassaNonhlanhla MashegoLisa TaylorMary Anne ConstableStephanie ForbesDaniel van der MerweLelanie SlaterWarren GrayRethabile Mogaki

desiGn & laYOutCDC DesignTel: +27 21 704 [email protected]

adVertisinGRene van HeerdenMiranda MakapelaTel: +27 21 433 [email protected]

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disclaimer: the views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or its agents. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, the publisher does not accept responsibility for any error or omission contained herein. Consequently no person connected with the publication of this journal will be liable for any loss or damage sustained by any reader as a result of action following statement or opinions expressed herein. the publisher will give consideration to all material submitted but does not take responsibility for damage or its safe return.

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CONTENTS

6TO BUILD | ISSUE 3

Foreword 2Editors Note 8News & Reviews 10Interview: Peter Stuchbury 16Project Focus: The Deepwater Woolshed 20Student Work: University of Johannesburg 54Out & About 178Advertisers Index 183

DivisionsArchitects 23interior & exterior Design & Dcor 31LAnDscApe Architects 41QuAntity surveyors 47engineering: consuLting & structurAL 53FLooring 61rooFing 67WALLs 73WinDoWs & Doors 79Bricks, pAving & stone 87shutters, BLinDs & AWnings 91ceiLings & pArtitioning 95AutomAtion, eLectricAL, Lighting & Air conDitioning 99security & Fencing 109timBer & Decking 113Fire pLAces & BrAAis 117pAint & DecorAtive coAtings 121kitchens 131BAthrooms 137Furniture 143construction & contrActors 147steeL 155cement & concrete 159BuiLDing proDucts & services 165green BuiLDing 173

FeAtures

Sustainable design principles 24

The next frontier: individual environmental behaviour 32

Easy steps to a sustainable garden 44

Cost implication of sustainability 48

Durban Bridges, beautified and protected by Sika 64

Cool Roofs 70

SIP: The fast way to build 76

Using modeling and simulation to design better-lit spaces 80

Alternative Energy Sources: Water 100

Training vital for paint industry to avoid C.P.A. breaches 124

Exterior colour selection 128

Going Green in the Kitchen 134

Biogas initiatives in rural areas 138

Quality is the NHBRCS priority 148

Sustainable materials 150

New Robor Hybrid Steel Structure System saves time and money 157

Sustainable concrete 160

Benefits of sustainable design: Economy 166

Lafarge Gypsum creates a legacy for tomorrow 170

Green folds: Green Design VS. Sustainable Design 174

Issue 3

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Editors NotE

8TO BUILD | ISSUE 3 www.mediaxpose.co.za

In this issue we focus on various aspects of sustainable design within the built environment. This is such a large field, ranging from site selection through to building maintenance, including materials, energy consumption and quality of the indoor environment.

In recent years the manufacturers within the built environment has moved their focus towards becoming a more sustainable industry, with companies investing vast amounts of money in developing materials and methods to reduce waste, decrease energy consumption and improve working environments. While the Green Building Council of South Africa and other similar organizations from around the world, focus on recognition the top sustainable/green buildings; Legislation is focusing on enforcing the minimum requirements, mostly regarding energy efficiency. Future plans are in place to develop similar legislation for water efficiency.

It remains the responsibility of each citizen of this planet to strive towards reducing the demands we place on its resources. The role of those involved in the built environment, must go further than just meeting the minimum requirements set by legislation but should aim to make a real change.

It is generally accepted that the built environment contribute approx 65% of the worlds solid waste, consume 39% of the total energy consumed and contribute 40% of the worlds CO2 emissions.2 Keeping this in mind, it is clear why the built environment was the industry earmarked as being able to make the biggest change the fastest. In doing our bid for the earth, we feature several articles addressing several areas covered by sustainability. We also include the first instalment in a series on the Benefits of Sustainability and a series on Alternative Energy Sources, and will continue with these in our next issues.

All of us at To Build trust the content in this issue will assist in raising awareness amongst all those involved within the built environment. Giving professionals, clients, developers and end users some background information and guidance on implementable sustainable principles within their respective fields.

We also include two new features in this issue, Out & About, a pictorial report on events happening within the built environment, and Student Work, where we feature works by students from South Africas architectural schools.

I hope you find the information in this issue both informative and interesting. If you feel there is a building we need to look at, or a person we need to interview or wish to contribute to our editorial content, send the information for consideration to [email protected].

1 Van Wyk, L., (2005). An Architects Guide to Designing for Sustainability, A Joint Commonwealth Foundation and Commonwealth Association of Architects Developmental Study, CSIR, Pretoria

2 www.usgbc.org.

Peter MullerEditor

Earth is just the most perfect place in which to live: its continents and islands, oceans, lakes and rivers support an amazing abundance and variety of life. our planet provides the ideal incubator and shelter for this to happen.

Llwellyn Van Wyk 1

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News & Reviews


SANS 10400 UpDATe:With the new National Building Regulations (NBR) gazetted in 2008, it had to happen at some stage. The deemed to satisfy rules for the NBR have been published as mentioned in our previous issue of To Build. Most of the parts of the SANS 10400 series were published over the last couple of months, with only five parts remain outstanding. The South African Buro of Standards indicated in response to a query recently that two further parts of the remaining five have been approved for publication. Part XA and Part L should be published at the end of July, with the remaining three parts all structural in nature - ready for the public comment stage. Part XA Energy Efficiency, will see drastic changes to the way buildings are designed with varying requirements regarding fenestration, insulation and energy consumptions. Be on the lookout for this document as it will require a drastic change in approach from all in the built environment.

Part S of the regulations was published shortly after going to print of our previous issue of To Build. Several changes were made to the final document, that were not contained in the draft. This standard will also have a significant effect on how design is approached, especially in public buildings. The requirements for stairs, ramps, ablution facilities and parking changed the way accessibility is approached within the built environment. The disability sector believe there is still a huge amount of work to be done regarding this standard to ensure all disabilities are covered, and to allow equal access to buildings for all. The new standard remains a big improvement from the 1990 standard and is a good starting point for future work in this regard.

For more information or to purchase the SANS 10400 series of documents, visit www.sabs.co.za.

eVOLO WINNerS:eVolo runs a yearly competition for skyscrapers. This year is no exception. Various designers enter this competition to show their design skills. The winners were announced in March, with first place awarded to Atelier CMJN (Julien Combes, Gal Brul) from France for their LO2P Recycling Skyscraper in New Delhi, India. The project is designed as a large-scale wind turbine that filters polluted air with a series of particle collector membranes, elevated greenhouses, and mineralization baths.

For more on this exciting competition and the top 32 entries, visit http://www.evolo.us/category/2011/.

WIN

Ner

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News & Reviews

11ISSUE 3 | TO BUILD www.mediaxpose.co.za

Terrasafe LaUncheD:Terraforce, has been in the Concrete Retaining Block (CRB) industry for years. With no specific SANS standard addressing CRBs, they have been providing a comprehensive service, assisting clients with structural design and other services. With this in mind, Terraforce contacted the International Council of Building Officials (ICBO) in California to prepare a comprehensive evaluation report in compliance with NCMA specifications. With several CBR retaining wall failures, Terraforce has launched Terrasafe.

Terrasafe provides first-class engineering, management, and specialist technical services to users of any of the Terraforce products. Through Terrasafe, Terraforce aim to set industry standards and make a significant contribution throughout South Africa and the world. Their new Quality Assurance system address all their activities from concept, right through to the maintenance phase of each project.

For more on Terraforce and Terrasafe, visit www.terraforce.com.

fOrmIca cOLOUrs range:PG Bison recently launched their new exciting colours in the Formica & Melawood ranges. The launch was part of the March KSA associate evening held in Wynberg, Johannesburg. It was a glamorous event attended by various industry representatives. Exciting new colours have been added to an already comprehensive range of colours, with colours such as lila, plum and crystal blue featured. They also included some textured changes to the range. Certain colours and textures in the range is only available in either Formica or Melawood and availability needs to be confirmed with PG Bison.

For more information visit www.pgbison.co.za.

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News & Reviews


New Image fOr VaN Dyck:Dr Mehran Zarrebini, CEO of Van Dyck, recently announced that it is time for change at Van Dyck. Launching a new logo, branding and corporate vision, that encompass the fast changing pace of their external environment. The new logo has a younger feel to it, that shows their energetic, yet experienced history. The new colours also reflect their commitment to the environment.

They also updated their vision with a focus towards the future. To be a world-class manufacturer of soft floor coverings as defined by the customers we serve. It is an organisation that has in its DNA, honesty, integrity, hard work and is committed to enhancing societys ability to build a sustainable future through environmentally and socially responsible practises, Says Dr Zarrebini in an internal press release.

For more information on Van Dyck carpets, visit www.vandyckcarpets.com.

grUNDfOs LaUNches mgfLex mOTOr OpTImIseD fOr sOLar pOwer:GRUNDFOS South Africa recently launched its new state of the art solar driven booster pump, solar driven pool pump and MG Flex motors at a glittering event held at the Nelson Mandela bay stadium, where they hosted more than 180 guests.

Grundfos solar surface pumps provide the perfect sustainable, reliable and cost efficient alternative to irregular water supply solutions in remote locations, or for highly specific applications anywhere. These pumps provide individual solutions to water problems where conventional water supply systems fail or simply cannot reach. Although the initial investment including solar panel is higher, the operating cost is minimal with the payback time being over a relatively short period of time bearing in mind the increased rate of power in South Africa and with no end in sight.

For more information contact Grundfos (PTY) Ltd at 011 579 4800

To Advertise

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Tel: 021 433 1349 / 2309Fax: 086 516 7277Mobile: 072 365 4877Website: www.mediaxpose.co.za

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News & ReviewsGreen buildinG conference:The fourth GBCSA Convention and Exhibition will be held at the CTICC in Cape Town between 26 and 28 October 2011. This annual event has become one of the highlights of the South African property and construction industry calendar. Cutting edge information in green building and sustainability are presented by highly acclaimed experts from around the world. This should inspire new thinking in green and sustainable building and design. This is not merely an event where high profile green building experts and key decision-makers in the industry gather, but an opportunity for like minds to make a real difference in the built environment. Our goal is to inspire innovation and new ways of thinking, says the Green Building Council of South Africa.

Amongst the confirmed speakers are Jason McLennan, Professor Gerhard Hauslauden, David Waldren, Dylan Brady, Elena Bondareva and Anthony De Francesco.

For more information on the Green Building Council of South Africas Convention and Exhibition, visit www.gbcsa-convention.org.za.

decorex:Decorex Cape Town was a very exciting time for To Build. Our stall drew a lot of interest from passersby. We are very excited to announce that we will be exhibiting at Decorex Johannesburg in August again. A very exciting new stand design will be featured and we look forward to seeing all of you that can make it there.

For more information visit www.decorex.co.za.

To Advertise

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Tel: 021 433 1349 / 2309Fax: 086 516 7277Mobile: 072 365 4877Website: www.mediaxpose.co.za

ncS colour Scan 2.0 reviewNCS recently launched their Colour Scan 2.0, a lightweight powerful portable colour measurement tool.. If you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to match a colour or get the existing colour of a wall or something else. This is the toy for you.

This scanner has memory to store up to 100 colours and lets users add text or voice tags to each entry. It displays the colours translation in RGB, CMYK, etc. It provides lightness values. It also suggest similar colours to help create combinations right there and then.

Having had limited time play around with it, it was quite interesting and very accurate. The NCS Colour Scan 2.0 is a bit on the expensive side, but if you work a lot with colour it is an amazing tool to have in your arsenal, not only to match existing colours accurately, but also to check if the right colour was used.

If you are interested in more information contact NCS South Africa at 011 486 3190 or www.ncscolour.co.za

Competition:We are giving away two NCS Exterior Colour Fans valued at R 775 each at Decorex Johannesburg. Come visit the To Build stand at Decorex and place your business card in the entry box and we will draw the lucky winner towards the end of Decorex!

13ISSUE 3 | To build www.mediaxpose.co.za

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ADVERTORIAL

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IntervIew


Peter Stutchburyshares his insights with usBluescope Steel recently brought out award winning Australian architect, Peter Stutchbury, to present several talks on his work and recent achievements. to Build had an opportunity to interview this acclaimed architect.TB: Please give us a brief history about yourself and how long you have been involved in Architecture.

PS: I am Australian, born in Sydney, but spend a lot of time in the desert on our family property, as well as in the garage with my father, who was an engineer/maker of things. I have spend, a significant time in the landscape as a holiday maker, because holidays in Australia is generally holidays in the landscape. My holidays as a kid used to be in the landscape, but as a youth I would get in the car, with a surfboard on the roof, and drive up and down the coast. So we drive up and down the coast and find campsites that were selected for their comfort, that is climatic comfort. They were out of the wind, have a bit of sun in the winter and have quick access to the beach, and we would surf. What I am starting to understand, is how much my background is informed by the way I look at things. I think we all have that responsibility. In coming to do architecture, it had to be an architecture that understood where it was, because that is what I knew. It would be very irresponsible to start putting up architectural edifices that could be anywhere. I remember once driving across the Great Dividing Range which is not a big mountain range but it is our only bit of topography. Getting to the site and looking back and seeing this beautiful soft blue mountain range and just sitting back, and there was this huge rock outcrop and it did not look foreign. It looked beautiful, and it looked beautiful because it belongs in that mountain range. If that piece of rock was anywhere else, it would look very odd. I thought to myself: Its not a difficult thing to make something belong. Its just a comprehension of what is, and what is least offensive. Not least offensive, but what least offends that place and that in this case happens to be architecture, but it could be a bush track, a campsite or a work of art.

TB: You are here as a guest of Blue Scope Steel and the South African Green Building Council, are you involved with the Green Building Council in Australia?

PS: I have deliberately remained outside the various environmental/lobby bodies for any particular cause, because I do not think that it is a wise move for a National/International thinker. I think It is much more important to express your views publically, than to be part of a specific group, that could incorrectly focus who you are.

TB: Your designs generally makes us of natural ventilation and specific materials, which makes your buildings more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Where did your passion for this come from?

PS: It is not a passion, it is common sense! What I think we need to do, as designers and designers are far reaching. We have to be incredible aware that we are guiding a lot of thinking. We are actually establishing new value systems all the time. And it is important to ensure that those new value systems are manageable and sustainable.Once you understand landscape, and I do not mean it just in the generic physical term. I mean it in an emotional, physical and spiritual way. When you understand landscape, then you can make decision.

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IntervIew


This then allows you to also make architecture with those decisions. I do not think that anything that is sustainable, is sustainable without beauty. I think that the human nature and human sustainability have a lot to do with beauty. Dare I say it If you see a person walking down the street, who dresses without impression and has no care about himself or care about others, and adjacent to him you see a person who is elegant and dignified and beautifully managed. You would want to look. And it is the same in architecture. When you see something that is obviously well thought about, you would want to know more about it.

TB: In your designs, you place a great focus on the genius loci or the sense of place. Your designs always seem to capture that sense of place.

PS: You know if you get a client that comes to you with a site, that is a totally unique proposition. As architects, part of our sustainable understanding is doing buildings for people that last. Not just last physically, but spiritually. There is no point in doing a building that lasts 5 years and then sell it. That is the service industry. A building has to sustain you from the day you commission it, till the day you die. It must be something you find enormous joy in going back to. Designing something for people is an art in itself. That is a gift. Designing something for a place is also a gift, but it is also an understanding, and requires a lot learning and attention. So does people to a degree, but people are more intuition. Like being able to go to a site, and work out the way it feels, and how it falls and where the patterns are. There is a lot of geographic understanding in that.

It is a connection with people and place. That makes our buildings last, and that is why our buildings are all different. They are not different for difference sake. You know what is very interesting. All our buildings that won the highest award in the country, have only won when the client were there for the jury presentation. I sm sure it is the client that connected the jury with the whole persona and logic and aesthetic of the place. And suddenly the judges went, there is the missing link. And that is all about sustainability too, because my job is sustaining people, just as much as it is about sustaining the world. If you allow people to feel good about themselves, and good about where they live, like in the most interesting ways. If you provide them with an ordinary building, their lives are outside that building. The building means nothing in their lives other than being a shelter. If you provide someone with an aesthetic, a reason for going home, and a poetry and geometry, that they are trying to understand, their lives is just totally enhanced. And that is our job.

TB: Patrick Schoemacher, from the practice of Zaha Hadid, describes 2 types of Architects, Avant-Garde, or High Art Architects, and Commercial or Mainstream Architects. Which one would you classify yourself, as and why?

PS: Neither. He is making those definitions based on his experience. You know there is a seam, of architecture, which is about basic truth. Commercialism is a basic truth, it is survival and Avant-Gard eis also a basic truth, it is an Impressionism. I am sure I can design a beautiful building that does not understanding where it is, and it is a beautiful building. I just cannot do it. My best understanding of buildings is a farm shed, that is just a rectangular building with the side that opens, against the weather. The weather comes from the other side, it would be stupid to have the hay facing the rain. That is what I learned. I learned how to make a fence, and a gate, because the closest settlement is 2 hours away. I learned when you sail a boat, to trim the sail, and you learn to be efficient with the wind so that you go in or you do not. I did not learn sculpture. I was looking at one of Zaha Hadids buildings the other day, and it is a wonderful work of sculpture. For me sometimes, there is a lot of waste in that, practical waste. I would find it difficult to be subject to that kind of criticism. So I cannot do that.

TB: I have not seen any heritage work that you have been involved in. Heritage buildings are usually consumers of resources, not energy efficient and not sustainable, but they are protected by law. How do one bring sustainability into this?

PS: One of the best heritage projects I have seen is Castelvecchio Museum restored by Carlo Scarpa. It is a historic place that has not been restored methodically. They have been restored with the future in mind,

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IntervIew


being restored to make you aware of what was and in some ways make you aware in what it can be, so they are insertions to a degree. I am sure that a lot of the historic building we preserve are not worth preserving. I agree there is a great art in going into an old building and restoring it.

The one historic project I did was a homestead. We went in, and instead of trying to replicate what the building used to be, and I had the old drawings. I did not disrespect it. There was a little bakery, it was small room, it was only 4 by 4, but I made it a bathroom. It had the baking oven, you can still bake in it, all the brickwork and the brick floor, and we put the brick floor back in. Then I put this beautiful bath and shower, just sitting in there and a toilet and a basin. What was beautiful, and because it was a bathroom, you will stay there or while and suddenly you realise you bathing in a bakery. What it has made me aware of, is that sometimes, by giving the opportunity to reconsider the past in a new way, can be just as creative as doing a new building, as long as it is a composition.

I think that, we as architects are taught some very bad lessons about right and wrong. And I think we are taught that right is doing it this way and wrong is doing it that way. When often that is ridiculous, often doing a historic restoration might be a creative opportunity, that we missing by simply studying what sort of timber it used to be, what profile and trying to do the same profile. You know it has change. Buildings have gone through a number of variations, all of them might be more valuable that the original one. So why not make it a story book of time, with obvious traces and references to its specific historic originality, but also with this wonderful piece of eventual thinking that arrives at your solution that weaves it all together.

TB: Your buildings seem to have a lot of roof overhang. The roof features prominent in most of them. You mentioned earlier that it should not just purely be practical but that it should be architecture. Does the roof automatically become that architecture or is there a focus on your side to address the environmental aspect?

PS: I have never thought of the roof as being the dominant element, until someone said to me that my architecture is characterised by their beautiful roofs. I never thought about it like that, because how I thought about it, is the roof is the unused opportunity. How many buildings that you know of, use the roof as their fifth facade, or like a faade at all. Then again the roof is what creates the space below, why wouldnt the roof be like the most active element. It is not facing the street, so no one is looking at it. You can make the roof everything, it is the unused faade. It fascinates me that people think that I am revolutionising roofs, all I am doing is using them. Functionally and aesthetically, to make space underneath, and really important space.I am not inheriting our traditional roofs and saying that it works. A lot of people do not think about roofs. It is the missed opportunity!

Look, lets think about climate really logically, in Australia, and in the Highveld. If you were out in the desert in either of these countries, you stand there naked, what is the first thing you would want. Cover, so why not make it big. If it has to be, make it cover. Unless it has to be small. Lets put cover on you eliminate a lot of concerns, like weathering, waterproofing, light, if you want the light, do nt put it on, otherwise do.

The next you would want? Protection, even if you are in the shade, and the winds blowing, you still need some sort of personal protection. It can either be a lightweight skin, if you in an area that does not need any temperature management or it can be thermal mass, as thermal mass manage temperature. With thermal mass you can gather heat and let it go, or you can hold heat and let it go. It is a great thing, thermal mass. Like I said to the audience this morning, looking at the African boys and girls, the traditional buildings in this country were big rammed earth walls with light weight grass roofs over the top. Protection and thermal mass. Now, its not rocket science! Take those essential elements and build on them and you will have a comfortable house. Bring it down to the basic elements and work with them and understand that what we creating is the future for people.

I think it is Barrigan who said: Architecture does not exist without quality of life.

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PROJECT FOCUS


With Peter Stutchbury giving several guest lectures in South Africa recently, we decided to feature one of

his multi award winning buildings in this issue. The Deepwater Woolshed on The Bulls Run, near Wagga

Wagga, in New South Wales, is a far cry from the traditional wool shearing shed that has previously been

the norm in Australia.

When Stutchbury was approached by his client, Michael Darling, he was originally indifferent to the

appointment. He phoned up with this offer and I said, Ill have to see how I go, but the second I hung up the

phone I thought, What am I doing? I should accept straight away. According to Stutchbury, the woolshed

has not changed much over the past 150 years, because of its sensible, practical design. The Australian

woolshed was originally based on the British shearing shed, which made allowance for approx 300 sheep to

be sheared on any given day. The Australian sheep farming industry is a totally different industry, requiring

approximately 1000 sheep to be sheared per day.

With this in mind, Stutchbury re-looked at the operational requirements, extreme local climate, as well as

siting. Collaborating with Andrew King, the general manager of The Bulls Run, who has been involved

in sheep shearing for around 40 years, they tackled the design requirements. The end result, a building

which is not only contemporary in design, but also addresses the traditional requirements and technology,

optimising the sheep shearing process. Stutchbury agreed to design an environmentally sensitive and

sustainable shearing shed, which remains cool enough to work comfortably within it.

The resulting structure, a 900-square-meter elevated steel woolshed, is situated to utilise the wind movement

around the hill nearby to contribute to the ventilation process.

The Deepwater Woolshed

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PROJECT FOCUS


The woolshed has been given an oversized roof,

extending way past the end frames, and has been

raised of the ground. This creates a large shaded

area, where sheep can take shelter from the harsh

climate of the region. During winter, the raised

building serves as an apron, which captures the

rising hot air from the sheep beneath. This warm air

is then circulated through the building, heating it up,

and creating a better working environment for the

shearers.

The harsh climate can reach temperatures of

up to 38 degrees Celsius outside, with up to 45

degrees Celsius within the shearing sheds. It was

a specific request by the client, Mr Darling, that this be addressed, as the working conditions generally

become very uncomfortable for the shearers. By

incorporating 4 basic design principles, a turnaround

of between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius has been

achieved in the final design. These 4 principles are; Cross Ventilation allowing natural air to circulate

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PROJECT FOCUS


throughout the building, preventing hot air from building up inside the building; Air Vents sucking cool air in

from the shaded area, created by the large roof and raised building, and circulating it through the building;

Roof Sprinklers spraying water onto the roof of the building, helping to keep the building cool; and Wet

Mesh screens providing a mesh as the walls of the building, similar to the old Australian classic, the

coolgardie safe. This mesh is kept wet and the evaporation cools the building down further as air moves

through it as part of the cross ventilation system. This temperature turnaround is achieved without any

air-conditioning, and only through the use of these natural ventilation systems.

Utilising natural lighting as part of the design further reduces the buildings energy consumption. Raising

the shearing board allows for wool to be passed to the classing table more quickly, which achieves a more

efficient management of the process and increased productivity.

Brian Zulaikha, a jury member of the 2005 Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) New South Wales

Architecture Awards, said the shed demonstrates a contemporary concern for human and animal comfort

that has altered this emblem of country Australia. This is an evocative and optimistic building that honestly

and effectively provides for its users and at the same time transforms our traditional image of the historic

shearing shed.

The Woolshed has won several awards including the Blacket Award for regional architecture, the Colorbond

Award, the Commercial Building Award and the Energy Efficient Award. Running off a diesel generator, it consumes approximately 70% less energy than the traditional shearing shed.

To end off, Id like to quote an internet commentator: Its a good example of what architecture is all about

improving lives through design. 1

1 http://kodadesign.wordpress.com/2010/11/29/stutchbury-environment-and-architecture/

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EDITORIAL


Sustainable Design PrinciplesThe effects of human activity on the built environment have played a substantial role in the damaging and

degradation of this planet. The exploitation and depletion of resources during the life cycle of buildings, has

had an extreme impact on the environment. It has therefore become necessary to educate and advise,

not only the designer and the builder, but also the homeowner about improved strategies for achieving

sustainable designs. This will encourage more responsible design decisions with a clearer understanding

of the interaction and interrelationship between architecture and the greater environment.

Professionals in Environmental Conservation and the Built Environment have managed to formulate an

integrated approach, consisting of several design strategies for sustainable architecture. This approach,

divided into 3 categories, or rather, principles, serves to assist in the design of buildings that are cost

effective, environmentally sensitive, and that meet their basic function of intended usage; i.e. through

livability, comfort, safety and productivity. Environmentally sensitive in this case, referring to a buildings

efforts to minimize or reduce its environmental impact.

The three principles to consider for a sustainable design include:

Economy of Resources, Building Life Cycle Design, and the Humane Approach.

Philosophy 1 ECONOMY OF RESOURCES

This philosophy looks into reducing, re-using and recycling natural resources, in both the construction and

general operation of the building. This applies right from the production and processing of the raw building

materials, all the way through to the life cycle of the building. Throughout its existence, a building will have an

in-flow of resources such as energy, water and raw materials, as well as an out-flow of general waste and some, potentially harmful, emissions each, of course, having its own scale of environmental implications. New and

newly-renovated buildings need to be accessible, secure, healthy and productive. They must achieve all this

while still maintaining an overall reduced environmental impact.

Philosophy 2 BUILDING LIFE CYCLE

The life cycle of a building can be divided into 3 phases: Pre-building-, Building- and Post-building phase.

1. Pre-building Phase: This phase deals with building design & process, from site selection & condition, to design and material production, ending just before actual construction. The building materials impact on the

eco-system, extends from the production stage right throughout its existence in a building. When selecting

materials for your design, consider the amount of energy that will go into processing and transporting them.

Factors to keep in mind when selecting a location for your building include annual climate, topography,

planting density, and zoning of neighbourhood and if possible, existing construction on the site.

For general and economic reasons, renovating a building has proven to be a more sustainable option, in that

it is far more cost effective with minimal environmental impact.

2. Building Phase: This phase deals with the physical construction & operation of the building and its overall impact on the environment. Again, choice of material is another important factor to consider. Some

materials, like certain adhesives, release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the air, compromising

both the construction workers and occupants health. Moreover, occupants spend a large amount of time

indoors, at home & at work. These emissions can continue for years after a buildings completion, thus their

health is even more at risk.

Author: Rethabile Mogaki

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EDITORIAL


3. Post-building Phase: This phase looks into the reusing and recycling of buildings that have reached the end of their life span, having outlived their usefulness. At this stage the building can either be renovated or demolished to be replaced by completely new construction. Philosophy 3 THE HUMANE APPROACH

A sustainable design preserves (or attempts to preserve) the natural conditions of the site - aiming to adapt itself and improve what is existing, not harming or disturbing the eco-system, but rather co-existing within it.

Aside from reducing the environmental impact, a building still needs to fulfill and serve its intended function; creating an enclosed, sheltered working or living environment for its occupants. By enhancing the Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ), comfortable and healthier living/working spaces are created, resulting in optimised occupant productivity and health.

Any building energy conserving strategy that annually reduces productivity by more than five hours per employee defeats its purpose. This is not to say that energy conservation cant be financially beneficial, just that it should be kept in holistic perspective, taking other pertinant factors into account.

design solutionsBelow are strategies as a guide on how to implement the different philosophies into designs and renovations.

1. Site selection

Select a site with topographical conditions that suit your design or adapt the design to the existing site. Avoid the use of oversized building equipment during site work and construction to avoid unnecessary

site impact. Preserve natural conditions by avoiding unnecessary and excessive site re-designs and reconstructions.

Altering site conditions has dire implications on the local ecosystem and the environment at large.

2. Orientation

Used correctly, building orientation can optimise passive heating and cooling in a building. In the southern hemisphere, orientating the building to the north allows for direct solar heat gain into living spaces.

For cross ventilation, having fenestrated facades oblique to the wind direction increases air movement through the building.

24, 26, 28, 30_SusDes.indd 26 7/4/11 5:15:33 PM

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3. Energy conservation

Embodied energy is the calculation of the sum of energy or fossil fuel used in the production of any material

- from the harvesting of resources necessary for the production of the material, through refinement in processing, and its transportation to the building site. All together, a large amount of energy goes into the

construction of a building and throughout its general operation after completion.

Choose materials with low embodied energy, as well as easily accessible local materials. When selecting materials for your design, consider the general availability of the material in the environment.

This refers to those materials or resources that are renewable and can be harvested at a rate exceeding that of human consumption. Materials like timber are renewable but harvesting of limited tree species like Rosewood, or overharvesting of any tree species for that matter, results in deforestation. Mining of mineral resources such as iron for steel or sand, gravel and limestone for concrete also has a negative

impact on the environment. If the material is recyclable, then rather use it in its recycled form.

Quality is another factor to consider. Choose materials that are long-lasting, requiring little to no maintenance.

Energy-conscious planning:

Take into account the natural condition of the site and its components, using it to the benefit of the overall design. Trees or vegetation on site, for example, can be used to control air movement thus providing cooling in summer and forming a protective shield against strong winds in winter.

Passive heating + cooling and Daylighting:

Solar radiation is, without question, the most significant source of energy, not only in nature but in the operating life cycle of buildings too. With the correct planning and application, it provides heating, lighting and energy needed for photosynthesis of vegetation on site.

Open exposure and glazing of the north and east facades allows for solar heat gain (as well as light penetration) in summer. Control heat loss through glazing in colder seasons by using insulation in glazing as well as using walls for thermal massing.

Depending on predominant wind direction at the location, correctly placed operable windows will allow for cross ventilation; thus providing natural cooling and better indoor, unconditioned, air quality.

Natural light is the standard at which other man-made light sources are compared. Control light penetration through varied window sizes, room depth and shading devices.

The higher the window, the deeper the penetration of light into the space. Windows set into deep recesses allow for glare and brightness contrast to be lessened.

Overhangs, louvres, and external vegetation can be used to control both lighting and heating levels. Control light reflection and heat absorption through correct colour coordination of internal massing. Use

bright, reflective colours on walls and ceilings to create luminous spaces. Dark colours on floors, on the other hand, will allow for absorption of heat and thus thermal storage.

Insulation

Use of insulation in walls, roofs, windows, etc. controls the rate of heat gain and loss. This, in turn, reduces energy consumption through artificial lighting and mechanical heating/cooling (HVAC).

Aside from cost saving and reduced energy consumption, insulation also encourages more natural and comfortable indoor thermal environments without compromising occupant health.

Alternate sources of energy

Natural energy sources such as Solar, Wind and Geothermal systems have minimal environmental impact. The only drawback to these systems is that they cannot provide constant energy as they are dependent on the presence and availability of the source driving them (e.g. wind, water and/or sun).

Consider the site location and climate before selecting an alternate energy source as these will greatly influence the outcome of energy.

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EDITORIAL


Energy-efficient equipment and appliances When selecting building equipment and appliances,

consider the long term costs throughout the life-time operation of the building.

4. Water ConservationAside from water used in construction, a large amount of water is used during operation for general purposes such as drinking, cooking, washing, cleaning, toilet flushing, etc. Treatment and delivery of this water is required for inflow and outflow through the building. Reusing and recycling water on site reduces costs and the overall environmental impact caused by municipal water treatments. There are generally 4 types of water used in a building: Potable Water, Storm Water, Grey Water and Black Water. Potable Water: Water thats free from pollution, harmful organisms

and impurities. Basically water thats safe enough to drink. Storm Water: Rain water runoff. Grey Water: Waste water generated from domestic activities such as dish and clothing washing, showering,

etc. This water, as well as storm water, can be used for purposes such as irrigation and toilet flushing. Black Water: Water containing fecal matter and urine. This requires a large amount of energy for treatment,

by municipal water treatment plants. Recycle Black Water by using waste water treatment systems such as bio-composting toilets and septic tanks for onsite sewage treatments.

The combined recycling of Black Water and reuse of Grey and Storm waters reduces the impact on the eco-system by eliminating the need for high energy municipal treatments.

5. Reusing and Recycling building componentsReusing and recycling components of a building allows it to become a resource for new construction, thus reducing energy consumption and environmental impacts by a substantial percentage. Components that can be reused and recycled in a building include materials like glass, aluminium, steel,

timber and concrete ( which can be crushed and used as aggregate in new concrete mixes). Foundations and basements can also be preserved for new construction.

6. Human comfortHuman comfort can be achieved by enhancing the IEQ. Indoor environments that are too cold or too hot, and have bad lighting, create discomfort, resulting in reduced productivity. Humans are a part of the eco-system and therefore require some level of interaction with nature. Provide

a psychological connection by providing adequate visual access through glazing. Create privacy and acoustic comfort by insulating both external and internal walls. Health-wise, promote natural cross ventilation for fresh, unconditioned air. Operable glazing will also

assist in controlling and achieving indoor comfort.

1 Guiding Principles of Sustainable Design - 1993 National Park Service document2 Sustainable Architecture Module: Introduction to Sustainable Design - Jong-Jin Kim, Assistant Professor of Architecture, and Brenda Rigdon, Project Intern College of Architecture and Urban Planning, The University of Michigan

24, 26, 28, 30_SusDes.indd 30 7/4/11 5:15:49 PM

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EDITORIAL


While most of us agree that the planets

resources are finite, individuals often feel that they are powerless to make a difference in lowering carbon emissions on the planet.

Most of us expect government and industry to take the lead in reducing our personal carbon footprint, but it is surprising how much individuals can do to safeguard the environment.

Do you know your own personal carbon footprint? Can you calculate the Return on Investment on an energy efficient appliance? Well, get with the carbon generation and sign your own personal Kyoto Protocol.

The next frontier: individual environmental behaviour

Author: Andrea Vinassa

sxc.

hu

32, 33, 35, 36, 38 & 39.indd 32 7/4/11 12:43:32 AM

EDITORIAL


At a course presented by Global Carbon Exchange, I discovered that by eating less chocolate and cutting

down on my meat intake, I could significantly reduce my personal carbon footprint. Then there was the matter of my ten cups of coffee per day, which contribute massively to the denigration of the planet. A little education goes a long way in creating awareness of how wasteful we are in our personal lives. It comes as no surprise to find out that providing hot water for those long candle-lit baths, runs up your electricity bill, but that your pool pump can guzzle a whopping 15% of your electricity per month is a little known fact.

There are three ways in which to achieve higher energy efficiency in your home:Firstly, behavioural changes, which does not involve any extra costs, but is geared towards awareness of wastage. For example, switching off lights when not in the room and not letting the water run unnecessarily.

Secondly, operational changes do involve some costs, but are usually minimal. For example, taking out some bulbs from a chandelier or retrofitting a dimmer.

Lastly, technical changes involve a higher investment and can include installing a solar water heater and

replacing bulbs with energy efficient bulbs, or even replacing an entire light fitting to make place for a low energy fitting.

These three ways can be summarised as follows: Reduce your consumption of water and electricity; Retrofit your home with energy efficient appliances and fittings; Install renewable solutions.

Space heating: Though not the biggest guzzler of electricity, heating your home during winter adds zeros to your bill. Insulation is one of the best ways to ensure that heat stays in during winter and out during summer, so check for openings that will let air into your rooms, check the space under your doors, inside your closets and holes into the roof void, whether or not your windows close properly. Also cover or seal ventilation openings above windows and doors in older buildings. You can do this yourself or you can call in a residential eco-auditor because this involves climbing into the roof to inspect the roof insulation and the insulation around the pipes and geyser. These days you can purchase eco-friendly insulation that fits snugly around your pipes from hardware stores.

Hot water systems: On average, 40% of your electricity bill goes to giving you that lovely hot bath at night or in the morning. There are ways to ensure a more energy efficient hot water system, even if you have a normal geyser. Make sure your geyser is not switched on too high: 55 degrees is an ideal temperature. (Ed. A minimum temperature of 60 degrees is recommended to prevent legionella by the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering of the UK). You can switch your geyser off during the day or you can install a geyser meter which will automatically switch it on and off when you are not using it. Get a geyser blanket and insulate your pipes to retain heat. There is an argument for installing a heat pump for washing dishes this provides instant hot water as it heats only on demand.

The course offers the beginner an introduction to renewable energy for the home: the point of this exercise is to prepare your home for installing renewable solutions, like solar photovoltaic panels, solar thermal panels and solar pool panels. Solar is an ideal solution in South Africa, considering the 6.5 kWh per square metre of sunlight that beats down on some parts of the country. In other words, a house could receive 52 kWh per day of sun, which is enough to run most middle-class homes. The biggest disadvantage of renewable are the high upfront capital costs, but the gap between your Eskom bill and the cost of a solar geyser is rapidly closing. However, there are finance options for those who want to pay off their installations over time.

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EDITORIAL


Lighting: Time was when South African houses sported multiple incandescent light bulbs in multiple light

fittings and we hardly noticed our electricity bills because Eskom supplied the cheapest electricity on the planet. Eskom charges are rocketing up the cost scale, and many of these houses, built in the 70s and 80s, still light up like a Christmas tree at night. Light sources, in the form of fluorescent, LED and halogen light bulbs, have seen incredible technical innovation since those houses were built.

Architects, lighting designers and interior decorators have a huge part to play in re-engineering the way we think of lighting our homes. For the ordinary homeowner there is much to learn in the arena of lighting. The simplest way of saving on electricity for lighting is to exchange tungsten bulbs for their equivalent CFL or halogen light, but these sources do not give the same warm ambience as tungsten. So the next best solution is to change the light fitting itself to accommodate CFLs (compact fluorescent light), or halogen, bearing in mind that the more light bulbs you need, the more electricity you use. These light bulbs are more expensive to buy, but use a lower wattage for an equivalent amount of light and last a lot longer than tungsten. Some estimates suggest that 40,000 light-hours may be spoken of as the norm.

A trained residential eco-auditor from Global Carbon Exchange can be engaged to assist you to make the most cost-effective changes in lighting, or you can do the course and learn to do it yourself. After the course you will also have the knowledge to take homeowners through the steps of a residential eco-audit and help them make their home more energy efficient. The course will also teach you how to calculate the pay-back time on each change that you make, giving you measurable results. A few calculations can demonstrate that the return on investment in, say, a standard CFL, can be as little as 7 months.

Make use of natural light where at all possible during the day and if you have a dark house, you can install a skylight or a solar tube in the ceiling, swop solid doors for glass doors, frosted glass instead of curtains and cut back big trees outside windows. At night, use motion detectors and dimmers to automatically control the usage. Solar lighting for outside use is becoming popular too.

Appliances: Why should we be concerned about the energy use of our appliances? An increasing number of household gadgets, such as sound systems, cellphone chargers, computers and printers, have led to an enormous rise in electricity consumption in the past 20 years. Most of these gadgets are in stand-by mode, called vampire charge by the eco-conscious. Not only does this push our bill up in the long run, it also costs the planet in C02 emissions. Solutions for mitigating stand-by charges include an intelligent multi-plug and a trickle saver. In a new house a whole house controller makes sense. This is a single point, automated or manual, where all plugs, lights and gizmos can be switched on and off.

If ever there was an argument for getting new appliances, it is that older ones use a lot more electricity and generate more C02 emissions. So, dont hold on to those old clunky computer monitors, TVs and fridges. Ditch them for new, more energy-efficient ones. Just remember to dispose of them at your nearest e-waste drop-off! By weight, most appliances are 75 percent steel, which is crushed and recycled. However, the

Architects, lighting designers and interior decorators have a huge part to play in re-engineering the way we think of lighting our homes.

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EDITORIAL


More and more eco-conscious consumers are looking to themselves for solutions to climate change, and that education and awareness is key to changing the way we impact the planet.

disposal of CFCs from the cooling system of refrigerators poses a serious environmental risk. Air Products

in Kempton Park, as a for instance, safely dispose of these dangerous chemicals through their innovative

system.

If you think your current fridge is just fine, then check that there is no dirt on the cooling coils, that the seals are not loose, that the fridge is not too close to the wall and that the temperature is not too low.

Water Management: Households consume the vast bulk of water in cities and toilets are the biggest users

of water in the home. It therefore makes sense to ensure your toilet does not leak: more than 20% of all

toilets leak. The way to test for a leaking toilet is to squirt some food colouring into the cistern and wait to

see if the colour runs into the toilet bowl. A newer, low-flush toilet and a grey-water system which re-uses water from the bath to flush the toilet, are other solutions.

Saving water is largely common sense, but most of us are unaware of how much water we waste with long

showers, running the water while you brush your teeth or wash your face, running a washing machine or

dishwasher without a full load or leaving the outside hose on.

Thousands of litres of water can be saved by simple changes in behaviour, but it is wise to test your pipes

and taps for leaks. You can hire a professional to detect a water leak, but you can do it yourself by checking

the water meter, waiting for an hour and taking a reading again. If it has moved, there is a leak.

A leaking tap can easily waste 2,000 litres of water in a year, which costs about R25, but this is not the point.

Water is a precious and a finite resource which we cannot afford to waste. There are countless ways to save water: retrofit your taps and showerheads with aerated fittings and flow restrictors, and never put water down the drain when there may be another use for it, such as watering a plant or cleaning.

Gardens also waste a lot of water, so dont over water your lawn, dont water the street or the drive way (use

a broom), plant native or drought-tolerant shrubs and trees, install water-efficient sprinklers, micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses, outfit your hose with a shut-off nozzle which can be adjusted down to a fine spray so that water flows only when needed. If you have a pool, get a new water-saving pool filter. And, if you wash your car, do it on the lawn!

You will save a lot of money with a pool cover evaporation accounts for a lot of water loss.

32, 33, 35, 36, 38 & 39.indd 36 7/4/11 12:44:03 AM

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EDITORIAL


Waste Management: Waste management is an important aspect of creating an energy efficient environment. Many municipalities are working on recycling strategies, and once this becomes mandatory,

they will be forced to provide home owners with a recycling service. According to the 2005 Joburg City

Waste Management Plan the Waste Management Policy sets a number of policy objectives, which have to

be achieved by the City. These include, waste minimisation and recycling, provision of quality, affordable

and sustainable waste management collection services, environmentally sound management of special

waste streams such as hazardous waste, construction waste, etc., waste treatment and disposal, capacity,

education and awareness, and effective waste information management systems.

Particularly disturbing is the disposal of hazardous waste, which most of us merely toss into the bin. Think

of batteries, paint, solvents, thinners, glues, CFL light bulbs, oil, pesticides, household cleaners, medicine

and aerosol cans, which should not be disposed of in your regular garbage bin. Companies like Makro,

Just PC and Ecycle are now accepting e-waste and old appliances, living the ethos of playing their social

responsibility role and your end of the deal is to get it there.

While much waste can be recycled, ie. aluminium, plastic, paper, cardboard, glass and metal, there is a

class of waste which is problematic, since it cannot be recycled. This includes cooked food, contaminated

paper, carbon paper, rubber, foils, photographic paper and composite items like tetra packs made of plastic,

paper and aluminium. It is wiser to avoid such products until a viable disposal solution is offered.

Organic or biodegradable waste should be diverted from the general waste stream, but people who live in

apartments and small complexes dont have this option. Part of municipalities strategy to dispose of this

kind of waste is to create communal composting facilities where households can drop off their organic waste.

Again this requires individuals to take responsibility for their own actions and put in the effort.

Avoiding waste is the most cost effective waste management intervention; therefore municipalities place

shared responsibility on waste generators and suppliers of packaging. This can involve elimination of waste

in the production processes by modifying or changing the process, adopting new technologies or using

another material as a substitute to prevent waste generation, teaching consumers to change their shopping

behaviour by buying in bulk, choosing products with an appropriate lifespan in minimal packaging, refusing

disposable carry bags, or bringing along their reusable shopping bags and forming industry and commercial

waste minimisation clubs.

sxc.

hu

32, 33, 35, 36, 38 & 39.indd 38 7/4/11 12:44:16 AM

EDITORIAL


For more information on the various courses presented by Global Carbon Exchange visit www.globalcarbonexchange.com

Ethos: More and more eco-conscious consumers are looking to themselves for solutions to climate change,

and that education and awareness is key to changing the way we impact the planet. It is clear that our

wasteful middle-class lifestyle is unsustainable. Even the simplest action, like choosing a vegetarian dish

over a big steak makes a massive difference.

You will also notice the difference between effective eco-conscious consumers, also known as parents, who

do more than pay a cursory attendance to the problem that is essentially all of ours; they make a point of

explaining and educating their children about the impact they could make on the planet, simply by adhering

to acceptable waste control norms.

Did you know?

Laser printers use 90% more energy than an ink-jet equivalent; Flat screen monitors use only 25% of the energy consumed by the big and older tube-based screen; LED screens are the most efficient of all; The environmental footprint created by the production of frozen food is so unacceptable it is

actually silly.

Parents can further get kids onto the program and create an opportunity to follow an emerging employment

opportunity, at best, and at worst, instil fundamental knowledge and disciplines in the generations to follow.

Global Carbon Exchange is one of those enlightened organisations, connected internationally, who has

seen the value in playing a pro-active role in the very simplest of measures that can be implemented by you

to reduce your carbon footprint and conversely, they have developed some very sophisticated programs

that could lead to a new and exciting career for those with enough foresight to get involved. Take a look and make a difference!

sxc.hu

32, 33, 35, 36, 38 & 39.indd 39 7/4/11 12:44:29 AM

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EDITORIAL


What is sustainable gardening? There is

no technical definition to summarise it. Yet, sustainable gardening can be described as

a school of thought that combines various concepts. Sustainable typically refers to the term self-sustaining. Thus, its the practice of using gardening practices that cause no

harm to the earth and its inhabitants while attempting to enhance it. Sustainability is a holistic approach that has combined concepts from various disciplines, into a singular natural, earth-friendly approach to gardening.

Sustainability could also be said to have its roots in the Latin: Primum non nocere, a medical injunction from the Hippocratic Oath for medical practitioners, which means First, do no harm. By practicing sustainable gardening, you practice good environmental stewardship. Do no evil...

This loose leaf definition might sound somewhat contradictory. How can a garden be self-sustaining? Surely, if a garden is left to sustain itself, it would revert back to its original, wild state. The truth is that a totally sustainable garden is somewhat of an idealists dream, because it will always require human assistance to keep it healthy and in check. However, there are ways of doing this in a manner that is as natural and as close to Mother Natures way as possible. The basis of this approach is minimalizing the use of external inputs like fertilizer and additional water. Instead earth friendly practices can be used. These practices include improving the soil instead of fertilizing, including plants that support natural wildlife in your garden as opposed to using pesticides and making use of indigenous plants to reduce water consumption.

Sustainability in the garden does not have to be a complicated and bothersome chore. It can be done on a small budget by simply reusing what you already have. Once set up, it can be low maintenance. Sustainable gardening is very pragmatic and abides by the law of right plant, right place.

So how do you only do good in your garden and withhold the evil of over the counter assistance. There are some tried and tested methods that have been around for centuries. Here are some for you to try in your own garden:

Integrated pest management or IPM is the approach of the simplest solution is often the best one. The idea is to start with the least toxic remedy and work your way up. The most important thing when applying

Easy steps to a sustainable garden

Author: Lelanie Slater

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IPM is to monitor your garden effectively. When dealing with disease and insect problems, it is best to

use a preventative measure first, such as good air circulation. Only take action once you have gathered information and found the plant to be endangered. Nontoxic methods include removing slugs by hand,

horticultural oil for scale and mites and baking soda for black spot and powdery mildew. Always avoid broad spectrum insecticides. Weeding should be done by hand and a solution of 10% vinegar to 90%

water can be used.

Another sustainable practice is companion planting. Instead of using pesticides, a companion plant is planted in the garden to either confuse or repel pests. This technique is often used on wine estates when

rose bushes are planted at the end of vineyards. The roses are much more appealing to pests, thus

keeping the vines pest free. The companion plants can even attract beneficial insects into your garden. For example ladybird beetles, which are great for removing plant lice. Dr Iain Paterson, entomologist

and lecturer at Rhodes University says that [g]ardening methods that promote beneficial organisms are effective, sustainable and more environmentally friendly than pesticides and herbicides.

In some cases, the beneficial insects miss the call from the companion plants and never make it to your Eden. In this case, you can purchase the insects required. Check with your local nursery for availability. If they cannot assist, it is useful to try online sources. If these do not work, physical barriers can be used to keep pests out. For example: broken eggshells around the base of a plant to keep snails at bay or netting to keep birds away from your veggie patch.

Composting is a great tool in sustainable gardening. Create your own with garden and kitchen waste in a back corner of your garden. If this does not produce enough compost, other organic sources can be used. Clippings and trimmings from the garden are useful. Using compost helps to retain moisture in the

soil. It also protects plant roots from severe temperature fluctuations as seen during seasonal changes. Apart from the obvious nutritional benefits, composting also has strong disease resistant properties.

A good idea is mulching all uncovered soil. Mulching is simply the act of covering the soil with a variety of material. The material is spread or laid over the surface of the soil as a covering. The best mulching

material is leaf compost, pine bark chips and cocoa hulls. Mulching aids water retention and it provides weed control and improves the soils structure.

Sustainability in the garden does not have to be a complicated and bothersome chore.

A crucial aspect of sustainable gardening is water quality and conservation. Evergreens can be used to stop winter winds from striping moisture from the ground and keep the summer sun from baking the earth dry. When watering, do so directly on the root zone, by hand or use drip irrigation, preferably in the morning.

Avoid sprinklers and always water according to the needs of the plants rather than a set schedule. Rather water infrequently, but deeply.

Other water conservation techniques are to group plants with similar watering needs together. Minimize bare soil and stabilize slopes by planting ground cover. Try reducing lawns, as they consume vast amounts

of water. Minimize the use of impervious surfaces so rainwater can be filtered before reaching the storm water system and being lost to your garden. Choose drought-tolerant plants that require less water, and

weed regularly, as weeds compete with plants for water. Lastly, dont discount the internet. A simple search will reveal a treasure of resources on sustainable gardening. Some sites even include step by step videos.

The most important tip: enjoy it. A garden should be a source of pleasure and inspiration, have fun with it.

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When you talk about sustainable design or green design (called sustainable design for the rest of this

article), everyone becomes very excited. It seems to be the latest trend amongst clients, architects and

developers. One problem persists though, the cost of implementing the sustainable elements. There are

some misconceptions when it comes to the costs involved in sustainable design. A large part of this is

caused by professionals within the built environment, who lack the relevant knowledge about sustainable

design, materials, construction methods and technology.

Clients and developers are very interested in developing sustainable buildings when they start off with plans

for new developments. After receiving the brief from the client, the built environment professional starts with

the design process. In a process to either impress the client, or to aim for a Green Star rated building, they

include every possible sustainable material and method available to them. This building will get six stars

they think. When the design is costed by the quantity surveyor, the budget has shot through the roof and

the clients excitement crushed. The estimated budget usually far exceeds the clients budget in the above

scenario. This is a generalized scenario, but happens very often.

Cost implicationsof sustainability

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A research report done by Davis Langdon on the Australian healthcare sector indicated that a building

that complies with a the requirements of the Australian Green Star requirements for up to a 3 star rating,

should not have any cost implications. The same study indicated that to achieve a 4 star rating, the cost

would increase with between 0% and 3%. 5 Star between 3% and 6%, with 6 Star at approximately 10%

and up. It is this 10% increase in the budgeted cost that usually make clients turn away from sustainable

developments.1 The research document focused on the health care environment in Australia, but can serve

as a general guide of the cost implications one could face when aiming for a Green Star rated building.

The benefits of a sustainable building far outweigh the extra costs during the development. Unfortunately developers and clients do not see it that way as yet. A lower capital outlay remains their first priority and therefore an increase to the budget is avoided as far as possible. With part XA of SANS 10400, the

Application of the Building Regulations, Energy Efficiency about to be published, this legislation will go a reasonable distance to at least address developments energy consumption.

During To Builds recent interview with Peter Stutchbury from Australia, he said: Sustainable design is

common sense. The problem remains, that without the relevant base knowledge regarding sustainability,

the built environment professionals cannot incorporate basic sustainable principles into their design. Without

this knowledge, the common sense, that Peter Stutchbury speak about, disappears.

There is a wide variety of sustainable design options available to the professionals. These range from

options that would not incur any additional costs, to options that would break the bank, so to speak. The

ability to apply these is totally dependent on the professional having the right reference framework and

knowledge base. It is also dependent on the correct mindset and approach. Having the one without the

other would achieve very little as far as sustainability is concerned, and would probably increase the project

costs exponentially.

It is the responsibility of all built environment professionals to design buildings that are as sustainable as possible,

especially taking into consideration the current natural resources, energy and climate crisis we face.

Basic design principles provide for a good start towards sustainable design. Windows in the northern and

eastern faades allows for natural lighting and managable heat gain, which could also assist with thermal

mass. This will cost less than huge glass windows with an HVAC plant, to achieve the same internal

comfort. Orientation, natural ventilation, recycled materials, indigenous landscaping are but a few basic

design principles that can be incorporated into the design of a new development, with very little increase to

the original costs.

Built environment professionals should attempt to implement as many sustainable interventions as possible,

without affecting the budget. A simple example of a sustainable intervention, is using high frequency ballast

for fluorescent light fittings. These are now the standard ballast for fluorescent light fittings and therefore have no cost implication on the development.

It is the responsibility of all built environment professionals to design buildings that are as sustainable as possible, especially taking into consideration the current natural resources, energy and climate crisis we face.

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Some sustainable design principles that can be implement and an indication of the potential cost implication

are given here as a guide. The list is not exhaustive, and the cost implication is dependent on the design,

site and application of the relevant intervention2.

No or low cost interventions include amongst others:

Waste management during construction; Airtightness to prevent heat loss; Wind catchers to ventilate

the building; Fluid dynamic analysis; Natural lighting; Site orientation; Low E glazing; Natural ventilation;

External views; Internal noise control; Low VOCs; Formaldehyde minimization; Destination control

on lifts; Insulation; Parking kept to minimum requirement; Alternative traveling methods (bicycles and

hybrid vehicles); Water efficient fixtures and flow restrictors; Building re-use; Sustainable timber; Topsoil protection; Re-use land; Indigenous landscaping; and Light pollution.

Medium cost interventions include amongst others:

Commissioning of building systems; Building tuning; Individual comfort control; Solar heating; Thermal mass; Building management system; External shading; Energy sub-metering; Lighting zoning; Geo-thermal energy; Rainwater harvesting; Grey water recycling; Water metering; Recycling materials; Local sourcing of materials; Reducing ozone depleting chemicals; and Reducing watercourse

pollution.

High cost interventions include amongst others:

Double skin faade; Biomass; Black water recycling; Recycled steel content; Change ecological value of site; CO2 monitoring; Green power; Green roofs; and Green walls.

The benefits that sustainable buildings provide are numerous. Built environment professionals must stay up to date with the latest developments regarding sustainability. This will allow them to provide their client

and the development with the most sustainable design options within an acceptable budget. Not only will

this keep the client happy, but will ensure that the built environment professionals do their bid for society

and the environment.

1. Lee Williams, Davis Langdon, Research Report, Health Care joins the Green Ratings era.

2. Brummer, Dr. G, Davis Langdon, Quick Guide to Emerging Green Design Attributes 2010.

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C & CI SUSTAINABLE DESIGN COMPETIT

TO BUILD Publication - Issue 3

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