53 / 56
51
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
OCTOBER
2016
The objective of the Skateistan Skate School is to provide at-risk
youth, between the ages of 5 and 17 from low-income families, with
a safe space to learn and play. The Skate School offers students the
opportunity to play and learn as part of the Skate and Create programme, or
to access homework help and career advice as part of the Back-To-School
programme. Exceptional youth will have the chance to join the Youth
Leadership programme to help organise events and assist with sessions.
The Skateistan Skate School opened to registered students on 1 August
2016 and will offer weekly programmes to over 300 students in 2016, and
more than 400 by the end of 2017.
Commenting on the company’s sponsorship, Victor Bouguenon,
marketing manager at AfriSam says, “We are proud that our contribution
to the Skateistan Skate School will facilitate learning possibilities for the
youth of Johannesburg.”
Bouguenon says that AfriSam is not about what its concrete makes, but
all about what its concrete makes possible. “Making a difference extends
far beyond AfriSam’s products and what these products can create. We are
the brand that helps create spaces that foster life, relationships, stories and
growth. At AfriSam, we are about creating concrete possibilities.”
The Skate School is also a good fit with AfriSam’s corporate social
responsibility (CSR) focus on education. The company is involved in
various educational projects nationwide, with the aim of empowering and
equipping communities with the necessary knowledge and skills, as well
as providing them with the tools and facilities to become self-reliant by
facilitating sustainable initiatives.
Bouguenon says. “The ethos of creating concrete possibilities is deeply
entrenched in the company’s philosophy and values, and this is underpinned
by many of the company’s business practices which clearly demonstrate
its commitment to a lasting legacy.”
Concrete materials company, AfriSam has
sponsored concrete to the value of
R100 000 for the construction of a skate park
in central Johannesburg. The skate park forms
part of a unique Skate School built by the award
winning non-profit organisation, Skateistan,
which provides programmes combining
skateboarding and education to empower youth.
CEMENTING OPPORTUNITY
>
Because of the staggering design options now available, concrete
floors are proving increasingly popular in a variety of residential and
commercial applications, says Bryan Perrie, MD of The Concrete
Institute. “In addition to their customary role in warehouse, factory and
parking area surfaces, concrete floors are now globally specified for housing,
retail stores, trendy restaurants, and upmarket offices. In housing, concrete
offers both aesthetic and practical options for flooring of key areas such as
foyers, patios, kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and garages.
“Concrete flooring is popular in kitchens because it is durable and easy
to clean. It can be sealed against moisture damage, and made virtually
impervious to staining agents or food and drink spillage. Durability and
water andmoisture resistance are alsomaking concrete a popular bathroom
floor choice: textured techniques can be used to ensure that the surface is
slip-resistant even when wet. The various surface finish and colour options
available allow for the application of concrete floors in a foyer or hallway that
will be exceptionally stylish and also functional in these high traffic areas.
“Designers and home-owners are increasingly using decorative concrete
floors in residential foyers, for maximum ‘first impressions’ and personalising
this area to reflect a home’s overall style. Enhancements for foyer concrete
floors include stenciled motifs, multi-colour tile-like patterns, saw-cut
designs, or floating concrete islands in shallow pools of water.
“Concrete floors are also being used to create garages that form an
attractive extension of a home’s living space. Particularly when attached to
a house, garages are now no longer just a storage space for cars, but also
a playroom or youngster’s den so much more attention is being paid to
making the floors both attractive and durable,” Perrie states.
“Skilled concrete flooring artisans can replicate the appearance of expen-
sive flooringmaterials such as marble, granite, or top-end wood. The lifetime
cost of concrete floors is also low because they require little maintenance
and have a lifespan of many decades.
“Maintenance requirements of concrete floors depends on the volume
of traffic. When it comes to upkeep, sweeping and damp mopping is usually
all that are required but applying a suitable sealer or a coat of floor finish
or wax designed for concrete floors will make the floors more resistant to
stains, chemical spillage and abrasion. Floor mats at entrances or in foyers
also help lower wear and tear. At business premises, such protection is
essential,” Perrie adds.
To keep houses warm in winter, radiant heating cables can be embedded
in concrete floors or the residence can be designed for maximum sunlight
window access which will allow the floors to radiate the absorbed heat
long after sunset.
“Concrete floors are also hygienic as they not trap pet dander that can
trigger asthma attacks and adverse reactions in people sensitive to allergens.
Finally, concrete floors offer benefits when a house is for sale: if the new
owner wants to change the floors, he or she can simply place carpet or
wood on top of the concrete slabs,” Perrie concludes.
CONCRETE FLOORS
INCREASINGLY POPULAR
Traditionally concrete flooring has been used
in locations where utility, durability, and ease
of maintenance are more important than
design and beauty.
>