SA Affordable Housing January / February 2017 // Issue: 62 | Page 26

FEATURES

The Respublica Seratoge Village development. Image: Respublica

Student safety: Keeping students safe is a parent’s first
priority, and they will have a large say in selecting the
property. Buildings with 24-hour security pay for
themselves. Technology solutions like intercoms and
cameras appear economical but they are easily broken –
leaving residents vulnerable and landlords dashing to find
replacements.
Because it is a dense construction material, clay brick
protects residents against natural disasters like flooding,
lightning and hail, as well as civil crime, vandalism and unrest.
Clay brick is incombustible with a maximum fire rating.

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JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017

AFFORDABLE
SA HOUSING

Student comfort: The density and mass of bricks makes
them a natural sound barrier with high acoustic protection
– essential for the student lifestyle. The acoustic insulation
of clay brick ranges from 43db to 49db.
“Fired ceramic bricks are thermal batteries, keeping
internal space naturally cool in summer and warm in
winter,” explains Jonathan Prior, executive director of the
Clay Brick Association of South Africa. “Clay brick's
thermal efficiency reduces the need for heating and airconditioning, with savings for the student and fewer
dangerous appliances that can be left on!”