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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
SEPTEMBER
2016
WOOD CONSTRUCTION
software we use under license from International Truss Systems for
the design and fabrication of timber roof trusses,” notes Cotton, who
adds, “Many factors, like the span of the building, the pitch of the roof,
the type of covering required, and the type and location of ceilings to
be installed, help determine the grade of timber required for a roof
structure. According to a strict (and necessary) requirement imposed
by the National Building Regulations, all timber used in this project was
structural timber.”
Specifically sourced from sustainable and responsibly managed
plantations, all timber used by LCP Roofing is considered a renewable
resource. “Through effective, responsibly managed and sustainable
forestry, farming of structural timber enjoys great success in South
Africa, ensuring us the availability of structural timber as a raw material
well into the future,” says Guassardo. “The entire production process,
from transforming a tree into usable timber, transportation thereof,
fabrication and final erection to form a structure, requires less energy in
comparison to readying other structural materials for the same applica-
tion, and has a much lighter impact on the environment.”
In an effort to reduce the energy embodied in erecting the timber
roof trusses, apart from the erection of the roof trusses in the main hall,
the entire school’s roof structure was responsibly erected and handled
manually, negating the continuous use of expensive and energy-hungry
lifting equipment and machinery. In addition, solar geysers and panels
were installed, which will go a long way to reduce electricity usage and
associated costs for the school into the future, enhancing the struc-
ture’s continued sustainability.
“Reddford House School is a well-respected institution with the
highest standards in all regards. Having been appointed as a sub-con-
tractor for this project represented a unique opportunity for our team
and while the project requirements were challenging, they were
refreshingly stimulating and pushed the LCP Roofing team to dig deep
for elegant solutions to complex requirements,” says Cotton.
He concludes, “The end result is an impressive, expansive roof
structure that will house the school for many years to come and, on
the underside, exquisite timber roof trusses that are worthy of being
exposed and that pay tribute to an institution committed to educa-
tional excellence.”
• Name:
Reddford House School, Northcliff
• Date of completion:
December 2015
• Architects:
Michael Bishop, Century Property
Developments
• Main contractor:
Murray & Dickson
• Roofing supplier & erector:
LCP Roofing