Building confidence dives sharply in Q2 The FNB/BER Building Confidence Index fell sharply to 32 in 2Q2017, this after reaching its highest level in more than a year of 43 points in 1Q2017. Furthermore, all of the sub-sectors measured registered a drop in confidence. This has only happened in five other instances since the index […]
Tackling climate change using “best of breed” technology Not that long ago the term “climate change” was viewed with scepticism by most of the world. Steadily, as scientists assembled more and more evidence relating to the causes and potentially drastic effects of climate change, it steadily sunk in – becoming the harsh reality we now […]
JBCC to provide training on building contracts in six areas in second semester The Joint Building Contracts Committee (JBCC) has announced the dates of the six training seminars dealing with building agreements it will stage in the second semester, August to November 2017. JBCC is a non-profit company that represents building owners and developers, professional consultants, […]
FEM commits to second year of MAD Leadership Foundation scholarship programme The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) (PTY) LTD continues their successful effort in contributing towards education in South Africa for the second year running. The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) Scholarship Programme was launched last year through the partnership between Francois […]
Four construction workers pose for an epic picture recently atop the Wilshire Grand Tower in downtown Los Angeles, the tallest building west of the Mississippi River at 1, 099 feet (335 meters). The four men were on top of the spire that was added on completion of the building, making it the tallest west of […]
Third Vision 2030 Summit sparks conversation around the key role of ICT With the aim being to stimulate conversation around a roadmap for achieving the goals of the National Development Plan (NDP), around 300 decision makers from both the private and public sector came together at the third annual Vision 2030 Summit, to talk about […]
SA clay brick industry bids farewell to Swisscontact EECB project team At a sparkling event in Freedom Park Pretoria, dignitaries from Switzerland and South Africa bid farewell to the team from Swisscontact. It was a fitting finale for the 8-year Energy Efficient Clay Brick (EECB) Project, a Swiss-funded environmental sustainability and climate change initiative for […]
De Marigny wins the 30th Corobrik Architectural Awards New and distinctive ideas, a high standard of technical skill, creative flair, a good grasp of sustainability issues and a clear understanding of the complex role of built structures within an evolving urban environment were just some of the reasons why Jean-Pierre Desvaux De Marigny from the […]
Government announces a paradigm shift in future housing strategy PPPs dominate all infrastructure and investment discussions. This year’s African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo held at Gallagher Estate in Midrand in May was, according to the organisers, Africa’s largest gathering of built environment professionals to date. The exhibition halls and outside exhibits were of an […]
Timber roof trusses and fire regulations While there are a few misconceptions around the fire performance of timber, structural timber for roofing is both commonplace and performs well under fire conditions. As with every aspect of building, timber roof trusses must be manufactured and erected in line with the National Building Regulations and SANS 10400, […]