Housing in Southern Africa February 2015

Bricks & Paving

bricks Warm, earthy tones of Corobrik’s Bergendal Satin Light face brick is punctuated by vibrant blocks of colour to ensure that the Heideveld Primary School designed by Meyer & Associates Architects and Urban Designers will inspire young South Africans!

A panel of broad vivid yellow, orange, greenandwhite stripes at the front entrance is the only clue that Heideveld Primary School in Heideveld, Western Cape is not your average government learning institution. As part of the Department of Education’s Accelerated School In- frastructure Delivery Intiative (ASIDI) the Western Cape government was assigned the task of completely renovating the 40 year old school. The renovation took almost two years. Commenting on the complexi- ties and logistics of the site, Meyer & Associates Director, Tiaan Meyer explained, “Integral to the project was the demolition of the old exist- ing structures to prepare the site for the new school buildings.” However, pupils and teachers needed to be accommodated in new temporary buildings before contractor, Basil Read, could start the new building

73mmWheatstone Pavers and 50mm Wheatstone Dark Pavers compliment the Bergendal Satin Light face brick finish of the buildings and were used in all internal courtyards and external paved areas. Climate control and sustainable principles played a large part in the design of the facility with most of the classrooms enjoying north/south orientations. The upper floors of the classroom blocks provide generous overhangs over the north facing windows cutting out direct sunlight. The eastern and western facades are articulated with perforated brightly coloured vertical sunscreens in deep recesses. Borehole water is stored in water tanks and the water is used for all the ablution facilities. The face brick and off-shutter concrete meets the need for a high quality lowmain- tenance sustainable facility. Van Niekerk says, “The durability, resistance to fire and natural sound proofing qualities as well as the earthy palette and textures of the clay face brick walls significantly reduces maintenance costs.” To a community historically stripped of its sense of value, the creative design of the new school at- tempts to give back a sense of dignity and pride. Van Niekerk summed up the project by stating: “We are ex- tremely honoured to be part of a col- laborative effort which has resulted in an environmentally sustainable school with a unique design aesthetic that will stimulate and encourage students far into the future.” In 2013 a further two Corobrik factories received ISO 9001 accredita- tion with another three receiving the accreditation this year, bringing to 11 the number of factories with certifi- cation. The ISO 14001 accreditation is an environmental management system to assist companiesmaximise their environmental impact. Last year one factory received the accredita- tion, and the total number of factories with this accreditation are now five. A further five factories will receive accreditation in 2015 and the balance in 2016. ■

taking into account the harsh natu- ral environment of the Cape Flats, “Corobrik Bergendal Satin Light face brick was a good choice of product and ideally suited to the modern, uncluttered design of the school. Its attractive warm colour, low mainte- nance and durability will ensure that the school will endure and remain an exciting place of learning.” In total Corobrik supplied: 438000ROKliteplaster bricks; 208000 Bergendal Satin Light FBS face bricks; 16 500 73 mm Wheatstone Pavers PBand and 26 000 50mmWheatstone Dark Pavers PB. Simplicity was key to the design and minimalist perimeter blocks are broken and contrasted by creative elements, which have specific func- tions and significance, including a timber canopy entrance and screen walls with circular opening detail all coded in bright colours. The buildings are traditionally

operations. The upgrade included: 23 new classrooms; four Grade R class- rooms; four specialist classrooms, a computer lab; amedia centre; art and music room; and a new school hall, which accommodates a kitchen; with anadministrativebuildingoffices and staff room and offices on the perim- eter of the space. Christie van Niekerk, Corobrik Manager Western Cape, said that

arranged around quads or enclosed covered courtyards that offer protec- tion prevailing south easterly winds and rain. And, although the inclusion of quads and courtyards are a tradi- tional element of many South African schools, there’s nothing institutional about these spaces at Heideveld Primary. The school has brightly coloured staircases, circular benches and striking signage. Corobrik’s

February 2015