American architect Jon (Twingi) Sojkowski is putting together an online database that will uncover and celebrate the beauty and creativity of vernacular architecture across the continent of Africa, and help to disprove the negative perceptions that pervade about vernacular methods. Sojkowski’s interest in African vernacular architecture began when he was living in a mud hut […]
Windows and side doors are prime targets for potential intruders to force entry into any property. It is however vital to add that extra layer of security. Installing a range of security gates and grilles help to improve the security of most vulnerable points of entry without affecting the aesthetics. The needs for safety grills are manifold. They allow fresh […]
Putzmeister, South Africa is a reliable provider of one-stop concrete solutions to construction sites in sub-Saharan African countries. Driven by the philosophy “African solutions for African needs”, Putzmeister is able to meet the exact requirements of mega infrastructure projects in sub-Saharan Africa sufficiently. While most South African suppliers engage local agents, Putzmeister South Africa’s Managing […]
Recycling can have a great effect on the planet in many different ways. It involves the reuse of some construction products, and will involve the designers to think about how to use the recyclable materials when constructing buildings. Metals are known to be infinitely recyclable. This is why they are ideal for use in construction. They can be […]
Lime is a major constituent in exterior and interior stucco and plasters, enhancing the strength, durability, and work-ability of these finishes. It has been used as a primary ingredient in masonry mortars for centuries. This has continued to the present day in both historic and contemporary applications. Mortars made with lime and cement exhibit appropriate […]
Swimming is one of the most favorite sports as well as leisure activities done by many people today. A number of households have their own pools and many resorts offer varied styles of pools. There are many types of swimming pools and they come in various designs, shapes and sizes. Each one can be customized depending […]
The use of steel-reinforced concrete in building is widespread all around the world. Many developing countries use about 90% and 80% of the cement and steel consumed by the global construction sector respectively. Out of the 54 African nations, only two produce steel; leaving the other 52 countries to compete in the global market for […]
Every advantage surely has its disadvantage, and bamboo flooring is not an exception. The following are some of the disadvantages of using bamboo: Emission of VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds): Bamboo floor planks are manufactured by shredding the stalk of the bamboo grass plant, and then joining the pieces back together using heat, pressure, and a resin based […]
Bamboo is a natural surface covering material that has many of the properties of hardwood flooring. Manufactured from the bamboo plant; it comes in a variety of colours ranging from honey brown to light tan and darkens when exposed to sunlight. It shares many of the positive benefits of a hardwood floor, as well as […]
Bamboos are some of the fastest-growing plants in the world. It has a higher compressive strength than wood, brick or concrete and a tensile strength that rivals steel. Bamboo is now being manufactured into all sorts of products that had been traditionally hard woods including furniture, cabinets and kitchenware (bowls, cutting boards, utensils). I never imagined bamboo to be used […]