Architect and Builder August 2017 | Page 61

Upon negotiation with council, parking require- ments were reduced due to the proximity to the University of Pretoria, the Gautrain, train stations and public transport. External Finishes The external finish of the building is a combination of off-shutter concrete and plaster and a textured paint finish. The challenge with high rise buildings is to avoid monotony and here the architects played both with colour, relief, the glass shopfront feature at the main entrance and the interesting skyline of the fireplace chimneys and gazebos of the roof garden. Colourful murals line the walls of the entrance and lift lobbies, echoing the bold colour used as an accent on the façade. occupation certificates etc, with students moving in successfully in month 14. Fact and Figures • 10,600m 3 of concrete was cast, which translates to an average cast of 50m 3 of concrete per every working day for 11 months. • There were 65 shear walls per floor and an average of 7 per day were cast to a maximum of 12 walls. • There were 425 people on site at the peak of the contract. Challenges The biggest challenge was completing the 868 bed project in readiness for the University of Pretoria’s January 2017 intake on a tight program. To ensure the success of the project the client, professionals and main contractor had to work effectively as a team under the management of Kale Developments. The contractors, Tri-Star Construction, were put on an accelerated program and successfully delivered this entire project in 13 months including works completion, furnishings, fixtures and fittings, TMM Lofts 61