SA Affordable Housing March - April 2019 // Issue: 75 | Page 25

ADVERTORIAL - PROJECTS
Versatile step
block creates safe
space to play
In July 2018, Eikestad Primary School,
Stellenbosch in South Africa transformed a
bland, paved space into a safe place to play
for its students.
By Terraforce
Low steps mitigate the possibility of injury.
A
s Eikestad Primary School’s proposed outside play area sloped upwards
considerably, the school had to find a way to mitigate the possibility of
injury by adding some low steps to allow students safe and easy access to
the playground equipment.
SP van Blerk, director, Decorton Retaining Walls, says he suggested the
Terraforce 4x4 Step Block by Terraforce. “It offers a rounded / bullnose front to
form softer steps and terraces. An added benefit is that the completed steps also
look great once they are installed.”
Van Blerk adds that the locally developed product has become very popular
at public recreational or educational facilities, “It is often more affordable than
other solutions out there. Also, the blocks are durable, don’t burn and can be
readily repaired or recycled.”
The installation was completed in August 2018 and no major challenges were
encountered. In addition to a concrete foundation underneath each row of steps,
the blocks are all concrete filled for extra stability. Says Van Blerk, “We avoided
cutting the blocks as much as possible, rather making use of spacings between
the blocks to form the rounded lines.”
Van Blerk is very happy with the result. “Instead of hard concrete paving, the
space now features comfortable steps and seating, modern play equipment and
was finished off superbly with Easygrass for added safety for the children. The
finished project really stands out!”
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MARCH - APRIL 2019
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