THE CHANGING FACE OF
INFORMAL
The intrinsic qualities of clay bricks provide the opportunity to transform
living conditions in settlements where houses are typically erected in close
proximity to one other says Corobrik’s Peter Kidger.
“
The natural thermal performance
properties of fired clay bricks,
coupled with the noise and
fire resistance qualities of clay
brick walls combine with the
robustness of clay brick to afford
greater safety and security to
both house content and occupants
alike,” he says.
The intrinsic qualities of the material, its
flexibility to create shape and form, coupled
with the spectrum of colours, textures and
organic look and feel provide the scope for
home owners to individualise the spaces
The state subsidised 42m2 houses
in Sithembile that have been built
from Coro Maxi 140 face bricks.
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they occupy to reflect who they are, he notes.
That process transforms what is essentially
an inanimate object that provides essential
protection from the elements into something
personal evoking unconscious feelings of
comfort and wellbeing.
At Lindelani, just outside Galeshewe in
Kimberley, South Africa, 76 houses, built by 90
youth volunteers following a national youth
service program launched by Deputy President
Cyril Ramaphosa, were handed over to
indigent families. The project, which is rotating
countrywide, is dedicated to the 1976 youth
uprisings.