12 / 44
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
JANUARY
2017
10
comprising a cast slab instead
of the normal surface bed.
Usually, drainage would be
suspended under a building’s
first floor, but, with this slab,
it isn’t possible. Instead, an
underground service tunnel
running the length of the mall
has been created as a drainage
spine, with a dual containment
system of pipes within pipes to
ensure no leakage.
“This is extremely unusual
and possibly even the first time
it has been done for a shopping
centre in South Africa,” says
Nicky Giuricich.
PROPERTY
Giuricich Bros construction industry pedigree goes back seven
decades and includes many landmark construction projects
countrywide. The regional 48 000 m² Springs Mall is its largest retail
development so far as a main contractor. Construction for the R950-
million mall broke ground in 2015.
“We are hugely proud to be part of developing the all-new Springs
Mall. Not only is Giuricich Bros Construction the main contractor,
but Murinda Investments, which is part of the Giuricich Bros Group,
is an investor and a proud joint owner of the mall,” says director of
Giuricich Bros Construction, Nicky Giuricich.
The group has played a key role in helping to unlock the Springs
Mall development, which is the brainchild of the Springs-based
D’Arrigo family.
Besides the Giuricich and D’Arrigo families, shareholders in the
development include leading shopping centre developers and leasing
specialists, Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment
and JSE-listed retail-focused REIT, Vukile Property Fund.
High level of construction
Unique in many ways, this world-class regional mall development in
Gauteng has demanded the highest level of construction skill and
expertise from its contractor.
Springs Mall is a feat of engineering as its site is over dolomitic
rock, which weathers and erodes when it touches water. This
presented some challenges for its construction.
Nicky Giuricich, who is also the site director, explains that Springs
Mall is essentially being built on a concrete raft, with its ground floor
MARCH 2017 OPENING ON TRACK
Giuricich Bros Construction, a leading South African
family-owned construction firm and the main
contractor for the prestigious new Springs Mall
at Blue Crane Eco Park, has confirmed the mall’s
construction is progressing on schedule to open on
16 March 2017.
Cognisent of the environment
He adds the mall’s ambitious construction is not only based on a solid
foundation of world-class engineering in consultation with specialist
dolomitic consultants but is also in keeping with the latest leading
international standards and deeply respectful of its sensitive site.
Set amid wetlands, Springs Mall’s design is inspired by
its setting. So too is its construction. Both target creating an
environmentally sensitive structure.
“Most of Springs Mall’s construction material and products have
been sourced locally, within a 50 km radius of the mall. The steel is
local, so are the bricks and mortar. This ensures the local economy
gets optimal benefit from the project and reduces the structure’s
construction carbon footprint, wherever possible,” explains Giuricich.
Also helping to lighten its carbon footprint, rebar is one of the
recycled materials used in the project.
Among the mall’s many green building elements, Giuricich Bros
have constructed cavity walls to insulate the building, which reduces
its energy transfer so there is less heat loss and heat gain. This will
decrease its ongoing energy consumption for cooling and heating.
He adds: “Throughout construction we remain fully focused on
the intention of Springs Mall to be environmentally innovative and
respectful. For us, this is simply good building practice. We are
also pleased that its construction is subject to strict environmental
monitoring to ensure peace of mind that the surrounding wetlands
remain uncontaminated during building.
“It’s great to be associated with the development and
construction of this world-class Springs Mall regional shopping
centre. It is set to be a well-built quality property and a world-class
shopping mall that adds a uniquely innovative and appealing real
estate asset to our built environment,” says Giuricich.
Giuricich Bros Construction was established in 1940 in
Johannesburg by the late Nicolò and Cesare Giuricich,
and has become one of SA’s largest privately owned
and managed construction companies. It has achieved
and retained a Level Three BEE rating. With over 76
years in business, Giuricich Bros Construction today
is based in Gauteng and Cape Town and undertakes
contracts countrywide.
This large-scale retail development adds to Giuricich’s
impressive portfolio of landmark construction projects.
They include, among others, its recent construction of
the 6 Star Green Star SA Office Design certified WWF
offices in Johannesburg; the redevelopment of the iconic
Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks, Durban; building
McDonalds restaurants countrywide; the 20 West Street
Capital Hotel building in Sandton; the original BMW head
office in Midrand; recent motor dealerships for Mercedes-
Benz, KIA and Hyundai; switch-centres country-wide
for MTN; and, as one of the contractors in the original
development of well-known shopping centres such as
Hyde Park, Fourways Mall, Southgate and Rosebank Mall.
“Most of Springs Mall’s construction material
and products have been sourced locally, within
a 50 km radius of the mall. The steel is local, so
are the bricks and mortar. This ensures the local
economy gets optimal benefit from the project
and reduces the structure’s construction carbon
footprint, wherever possible.”
Director of Giuricich Bros
Construction, Nicky Giuricich.