Construction World October 2016

CEMENTING OPPORTUNITY

Concrete materials company, AfriSam has sponsored concrete to the value of

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.” 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. >

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. >

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD OCTOBER 2016