Construction World

CONSTRUCTION WORLD

SEPTEMBER

2015

PROJECTS AND CONTRACTS

Since 2012 when the turnover of the company was under R50-mil-

lion, Big Ben has grown from a small, niche residential contractor

specialising in low-rise construction to a medium size contractor

with a diversified work portfolio across commercial, residential and even

specialist projects and a growing track record of high rise construction.

MD Colin Ridley says they expect this upward trend to continue for the

foreseeable future at least as they already had an order book of more than

R250-million for the 2016/2017 financial year.

He said while the bulk of their work load was for Rabie’s account

at Century City, they were also undertaking projects for Rabie outside of

Century City and for third parties both inside and outside of Century City.

Recent specialist projects undertaken include a day hospital at Century City

where the company was able to meet the exacting technical specifications.

Ridley says the company’s staff complement has grown in line with its

turnover. Four years ago it employed nine managerial staff and a workforce

of 20 and this now stands at over 20 managers and a work force of 80.

Work recently completed includes the second phase of the Greenford

office project in Kenilworth comprising a total of 5 600 m

in seven stand

alone office blocks. At Century City it has undertaken an office block in The

Estuaries for Horizon Capital, the Quays mixed use development comprising

92 apartments in two blocks and a 4 000 m

commercial component

consisting of 36 sectional title office suites and a restaurant as well as 140

residential apartments and seven villas in Ashton Park.

“We are currently busy with Mayfair – also a mixed use development

comprising 136 apartments in two blocks and 3 000 m

of sectional title

offices at Century City due for completion in Easter next year – and we are

now coming out of the ground with Manhattan Quarter, another residential

development of 63 apartments on basement parking.

“In addition we are shortly to start work on a 190 unit residential devel-

opment outside the confines of Century City.”

Ridley says their order book for the next financial year includes a nine-

storey residential apartment block in Century City.

“We have done a number of high rise buildings of late but this will be

the first time we will have exceeded five levels and we are looking forward

to the challenge.”

The key to Big Ben’s success, he says, is their hands-on, passionate

approach to construction and their striving for continuous improvement in

both systems and quality.

“This is not a nine to five industry. It is literally 24/7. One is continually on

call and the attention to maintenance is as important as the construction in

terms of delivering both the ultimate client experience and building a track

record of excellence.”

A total of 3 600 m² Burgundy pavers

have been used to construct the side-

walks and islands along both sides of

Ballito Drive, extending from Greenfields Road

near the new N2 interchange, all the way to the

M4 intersection.

Dave Duke, general manager of Urban and

Social Development Africa Division for SMEC

South Africa, said the project, which started in

August 2014 and completed on 18 June this year,

was essential for the area.

“Ballito has experienced phenomenal growth

in recent years and required a major road and

sidewalks upgrade to provide for increased traffic

and ensure pedestrian safety,” explained Duke.

“The transformation of the old low-volume,

rural-type access road into a new, urban environ-

ment required improved aesthetics.” He said that,

it was for this reason, that Corobrik’s Burgundy

pavers were selected. “They add rich colour and

contrast to create a quality urban environment.”

Duke said that a herringbone pattern was

selected because of its increased interlocking

strength. “This ensures the movement of the

pavers is limited and the risk of pavers shifting

or lifting is reduced,” he said.

Depending on future urban design, upgrades

and budget availability, Duke said the paving

could be extended into Ballito.

Corobrik’s director of sales Allin Dangers, said

the clay pavers were the perfect choice for an

outside area that will have to endure high levels

of foot traffic.

“The pavers, which undergo an intense

firing process, offer outstanding durability

while retaining colour over time,” said Dangers.

“As shown in the many inner city and urban

landscape upgrades across South Africa, the

colourfast hues of fired clay provide the propen-

sity to uplift urban environments in a stylish yet

unobtrusive manner.”

FIVE-FOLD IN FIVE YEARS

Big Ben Construction, the construction arm of

Rabie Property Group, has lifted turnover five-

fold in the past four years with further strong

growth forecast.

Petri Wessels, Colin Ridley and Eddie Cupido on the construction site

of Mayfair mixed use development at Century City.

BALLITO’S NEW ENTRANCE

Entering the bustling coastal town of Ballito on the KwaZulu-Natal

North Coast, pedestrians are welcomed by the recently completed

walkways made up of Corobrik’s range of clay pavers.

Corobrik’s Burgundy pavers have been used to construct the

sidewalks and islands along both sides of Ballito Drive, extending

from Greenfields Road near the new N2 interchange, all the way

to the M4 intersection.

He said clay pavers are

also a safe choice as they

are smooth so easy towalk

on and skid resistant in

wet weather.

Zayne Sayed, con-

tracts manager for Afri-

scan appointed Advanced

R e t a i n i n g & Pa v i n g

Systems to install the

pavers. Sayed said that

the main challenge was

to ensure the safety of the

pedestrians while working.

The construction team

needed to remain focused

on the work during the

period of high traffic

volumes in Ballito.