SD-Issue-21-Digital

ISSUE 21 | 2019 ZIMBABWE’S LEADING INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT MAGAZINE

MAIN PROFILE on Page 10: Building
The New American Embassy in Harare.

2 structure & design | ISSUE 21

INDUSTRIAL
EQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS

3

TWENTY-FIRST ISSUE

CONTENT

PUBLISHER MAIN PROFILE
10 | (NEC) New Embassy Campus (USA)
Structure And Design Media
SPACE OF THE MONTH
MARKETING 42 | St Georges new Science Center

Clive Mapfumo MATERIAL FOCUS
Newton Musara 67 | How to design your kitchen
Simbarashe Zvidza 73 | Kansai Plascon - new hues
+263 779 141 137 76 | Union Hardware - Geberit
+263 772 233 086 79 | Floor plans
+263 8644 224 569/70 84 | Home security

DESIGN & LAYOUT PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT
89 | Sawanga Shopping Mall - Opening soon
Tami Zizhou in Vic-Falls

CONTRIBUTORS LIGHT DESIGN
96 | Biolux
Michael Nott
ARCHITECTS NOTES
PHOTOGRAPHY 99 | Unqualified and unregistered persons

Structure & Design VISIT: issuu.com/structuredesign for the digital editions of every issue
Michele Fortmann

Nigel Wilson
St George’s

SUBSCRIPTIONS

+263 8644 224 570

EMAIL

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Structure and Design M agazine:
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ISSUE 18 | 2018

ISSUE 19 | 2019

1

4 structure & design | ISSUE 21

Structure & Design Team

[email protected]

S&D PARTNERS

S&D PARTNERS

PUBLISHER’S MEMO

Since 1949 BL Harbert International Rio Douro Construction is a family business their alma mater. From modest beginnings in
has successfully represented that was established in 1981. The company 1896 St George’s College has grown into one
construction markets of every kind is a member of the Construction Industry of the best schools on the continent. In 2003
across the globe. They specialize in design- Federation of Zimbabwe (CIFOZ) in the Africa Almanac ranked St George’s 5th out of
build, construction management,general Unlimited Category. Over the years they the 100 best schools in all of Africa. See the
contracting and are ranked the top contractor have successfully completed a wide range ambitious science center on PAGE 42
for green government office buildings. BL of structures and buildings, including
Harbert has in depth and diversified experience schools, churches, hospitals, office buildings, This issue is a resource full of sound tips and
in all sectors of the building industry meaning banks, food courts, residential houses and trendy ideas. Read, enjoy and share our Golden
they are able to provide top quality, sustainable complexes. The company is owned and run by Issue 21!
and high professional projects across the world. brothers David and Richard Pereira who both
As such they have done justice to the new US attended St George’s College. They took great All Structure & Design content, and much more is
EMBASSY IN BLUFFHILL, HARARE using local pride in the schools new FR MICHAEL ROSS SJ available online at...issuu.com/ structuredesign
and international material suppliers at an SCIENCE CENTRE project and for them it was or SDMagzim
estimated cost of $290 million. PAGE 10 a labour of love and a way of giving back to

Structure & Design Team

[email protected]
BK PAINTERS PROUD ASSOCIATE OF THE NEW US EMBASSY PROJECT

S&D PARTNERS

5

BL Harbert International specializes in design-
build, construction management, and general
contracting for national and international clients
representing construction markets of every kind.

We are guided by respect and honesty — principles
that ensure we never compromise our integrity
with our customers, employees, and communities.

WWW.BLHARBERT.COM

B. L. Harbert International

...providing the design-build services for the new U. S. Embassy in Harare

text by Michael Nott

B. L. Harbert International was construction. The U.S. division undertakes world. No matter the job, we go beyond
the main contractor and project the preconstruction, general construction, building.” Since 2000 their portfolio has
manager for the new US Embassy construction management, and design- included projects in more than 40 different
campus in Bluff Hill completed build services of office buildings, apartment countries. Throughout the world, B. L. Harbert
earlier this year. Their client for the project buildings, institutional buildings, healthcare employs over 7,000 people and typically has
was the U.S. Department of State through facilities, churches, industrial facilities, and over 40 projects underway at all times. All of
the Bureau of Overseas Building Operations. water and wastewater treatment plants. their work is built to the most stringent U.S.
Their partners were AECOM – the Design specifications and standards regarding safety
Architects - with Page being the Architects of The international arm of B. L. Harbert began and sustainability.
Record. operations in 2000 under the leadership of
Billy L. Harbert. The company was founded During the construction of the NEC (New
B. L. Harbert International, LLC, is a as the Harbert International division of Embassy Campus) employment was
construction company based in Birmingham, Harbert Corporation. The company’s in depth created for over 1,700 local Zimbabweans
Alabama, with an additional offices in Atlanta, and diversified experience in all sectors of contractors, artisans and labourers many
Greenville, Houston, Huntsville, Nashville, the building industry means that they are of whom were equipped with new skills
Washington D.C., London, U.K., and Dubai, able to provide top quality, sustainable and and expertise and trained in improved
U.A.E. highly professional projects across the globe, working methods. There were many other
including in some of the most remote corners downstream employment opportunities
The original Harbert Construction Company of the world. created in areas like transportation, catering
was founded in 1949 by brothers John and and accommodation for visiting expat
Bill Harbert, along with Ed Dixon. Since the The company prides itself on their efforts specialists and advisers.
beginning the company has prided itself to immerse themselves in local cultures
on its decentralised decision-making and and contribute to the welfare of local B. L. Harbert has both the personnel and
management operating philosophy. This has communities wherever they are undertaking the resources to perform most types of
led to the formation of two distinct operating new projects. They hire workers from the general construction work, including site
groups, the U.S. Group and the International local workforce and by training them and work, concrete forming and placement,
Group. refining their abilities provide them with life mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP)
skills that they will be able to use long after systems, and architectural and interior
The U.S. Group has four separate sectors, the project is completed and the company finishes. In addition they have mechanical,
Industrial, Federal, Commercial and has moved on. One of their stated goals is to electrical, and plumbing engineering
Healthcare. Focusing on these markets has leave behind not only a world-class structure professionals who can manage the
enabled the company to develop specific skill but also a local population that has a positive entire process from in-house estimating,
sets to serve the needs of their clients. The view of the United States. The company engineering and procurement, to staffing,
company is the 23rd ranked green contractor states that, ”At B. L. Harbert International, we managing, and supervising labour. All their
in the U.S. according to Engineering build much more than structures. We build construction projects begin with thorough
News Record (ENR) and is ranked the safe environments and eco-friendly solutions planning and close communication between
top contractor for green government in the communities in which we work. Most the key parties during the Pre-construction
office buildings. They have over 45 LEED importantly, we build strong relationships that phase. During this stage B. L. Harbert can
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental allow us to build anything, anywhere. We are provide Project Budget Estimating, Value
Design) Accredited Professionals and a design-build and construction firm serving Analysis, Project Bid Package Development,
have completed over US$4 billion in green clients throughout the U.S. and around the Bid Analysis and Scheduling.

8 structure & design | ISSUE 21

B. L. Harbert has also over the years
developed a strong, global network of
architects, engineers and suppliers to
collaborate on projects anywhere in the
world. They also have a great deal of
experience and know-how in the areas of
materials procurement and logistics. They
have their own in house logistics centre
that controls and regulates the delivery
of materials and equipment ensuring that
whatever is needed is available when and
where it’s required to ensure that all their
projects run smoothly and efficiently.

In the interests of the welfare of their grey water is re-used for irrigation and they B.L. Harbert International
work force BL Harbert International places have incorporated a system of drainage From Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
great emphasis on safety and adhere to and retaining ponds to harvest storm
stringent American safety regulations on water runoff. While some construction B.L. Harbert International, LLC
all their projects. The company has stated, companies are hesitant to adopt green
“Planning for safety, being sensitive to our building designs and practices B. L. Harbert Type: Private
environment, properly training, equipping has embraced the move towards more Industry: Construction
and empowering our workforce, and environmentally friendly construction. Founded 2000 as BL Harbert International
holding each other accountable for safety Headquarters: Birmingham Alabama, USA
is essential to our overall success.” Among B. L. Harbert won the bid for the project and Key people: Billy L. Harbert, President and
their many accolades, in 2017, 2015, 2013 started construction on the NEC in August Chief Executive Officer
and 2012 the company won the Platinum 2015 and the project was completed in R. Alan Hall, Chief Financial Officer
STEP Award for Associated Builders and December 2018 with the Embassy staff Revenue: $1.25 Billion USD (2017)
Contractors and in 2014 they won the taking occupancy in January this year. Number of employees: 7,000 (2017)
National Safety Excellence Award. These are The company will maintain a Zimbabwean
just a few of the awards they have garnered presence for around another year to deal Website: www.blharbert.com
over the years. with any snags that may arise and to fulfil BL Harbert is an Equal Opportunity Employer:
their warrantee. Minorities / Females / Veterans / Disabilities
The new embassy complex shows several
aspects of B.L. Harbert’s commit to
sustainable, green building practices
which include integrating energy- and
water-efficient systems. The campus
includes a 240 kVA solar power array
which meets most of the campus’ needs.
Where possible natural ventilation has
been designed to reduce reliance on air
conditioning and good use is made of
natural ambient lighting. The campus has a
sophisticated water recycling plan whereby

9

The United States of America opened its New Embassy Campus (NEC) in Bluffhill,
near the Westgate Shopping Mall, on 22nd of January this year.

10 structure & design | ISSUE 21

The New United States Of
America Embassy Campus

text by Michael Nott
photos by Nigel Wilson and Structure and Design
renders by BL Harbert

11

MAIN PROFILE The project was developed and guided by the Bureau of Overseas
Buildings Operations and B. L. Harbert International was the general
HE site had been acquired in 2001 and years of contractor and project manager. B. L. Harbert is an international
intensive planning, research and development company committed to sustainable construction practices. Although
took place before the official groundbreaking their projects cover just about all sectors of the construction industry
ceremony in August 2015 to mark the start of they have a wealth of experience in building US Embassy Compounds
and have managed the construction of Embassy Compounds around
T the construction process. The groundbreaking the world, including places like Mexico, Iraq, Morrocco, Kosovo and
ceremony was led by then Ambassador to Swaziland, to mention just a few.
Zimbabwe, Bruce Wharton, and was attended by then
Minister of State for Harare metropolitan province, Miriam The design architects were the huge international firm AECOM which
Chikukwa, Bernard Manyenyeni (Mayor of Harare at the has designed and delivered major projects around the world including
time), local government and foreign affairs officials and skyscrapers, transit systems, stadiums and airports. The Architects of
embassy staff, among other dignitaries. Record were Page Southerland Page, Incorporated. The local partner
was the Zimbabwean arm of ARUP, another huge multi-national
Construction took approximately three years and has been involved in all sectors of the built environment. (ARUP Zimbabwe has
estimated to cost around $290 million. During the build over been involved in the development of the iconic Eastgate Mall, the
700 local Zimbabwean contractors and service providers ZINARA road rehabilitation project, urban and rural planning, and
benefitted from employment and skills training. It was also a the plans for the new Parliament in Mount Hampden.) Internationally
huge boost for local suppliers of building materials and related ARUP has been involved in one of the world’s largest urban renewal
construction equipment. projects in Australia, high speed rail projects in the UK, waterfront
projects in New York and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in the
The NEC sits on just over 16 acres of land and will provide Philippines, renewable energy projects, and many other innovative
around 12,500 square metres of office space. The NEC is and unique programmes across the world.
made up of several separate and distinct buildings which
include the Chancery building, support services, a warehouse, To come up with the design for the NEC the design architects
a utilities building, the Marine Security Guard Residence, AECOM did comprehensive research into the cultural, geographical
fitness facilities for the staff, as well as other outdoor seating and historical aspects of Zimbabwe. The building design was
and recreational areas. The many different departments of the inspired in part by the architectural motifs and materials of Great
embassy had previously been spread across Harare in various Zimbabwe and the landscape design was inspired by the rolling hills
rented premises so the NEC will help consolidate all their and plains of the central Highveld.
operations into one coherent venue in addition to improving
security and making communications between various
departments simpler and quicker.

12 structure & design | ISSUE 21

In his remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony in 2015 then make certain concessions – there are a number of window openings
Ambassador Wharton remarked, “The buildings on the campus that break up the façade, although they are slightly irregular in size
are conceived as a series of gomos (small hills) that animate the and placement. This is a very different style of architecture to the
terrain.” At first glance of the exterior from Lorraine Drive, the current fashionable trend of steel beams and vast sheets of glass!
buildings appear huge, solid and monolithic – almost brutalist –
partly because of the almost unbroken facades of solid brick. The A closer look reveals that the height of exterior boundary wall gently
first impression is of the great weight and volume of the structures. undulates and swells up to full height above the main entrance –
In a way it’s similar to the huge stone walls of Great Zimbabwe just like the hills of the Highveld landscape. The façade of the main
where a single material has been used and there is little obvious building behind the entrance is curved evoking the curved wall of
ornamentation and few openings. The NEC design does however the Great Enclosure.

13

MAIN PROFILE

14 structure & design | ISSUE 21

Behind the boundary wall the Chancery
is divided into two separate wings – both
gently curved – with open space flowing in
between to suggest the open landscape of
the Highveld. Wherever possible existing
indigenous trees have been preserved,
in particular a group of trees in the north
east corner of the site. A number of other
indigenous shade and flowering trees
have been planted and will help soften
the hard brick exteriors as they grow and
develop. Most of the plants selected for
the ornamental sections of the gardens
are either indigenous or adapted water-
wise shrubs or grasses to reduce both
maintenance and irrigation.

15

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66 structure & design | ISSUE 8
66 structure & design | ISSUE 8

BETA BRICKS PROUD ASSOCIATE OF THE NEW US EMBASSY PROJECT

The buildings within the NEC are all harvesting elements to reduce the need art on-site waste water treatment plant,
designed with sustainable ‘green’ for interior lighting. The buildings also so water is recycled and waste water does
features. There is extensive use of feature sunshades to reduce solar heat not enter the municipal sewer system.
renewable solar energy and the design gain and glare and reduce the need for They also make use of low consumption
of the offices incorporates daylight air-conditioning. There is a state of the water fixtures to further reduce water use.

17

KW BLASTING PROUD ASSOCIATE OF THE NEW US EMBASSY PROJECT

18 structure & design | ISSUE 21

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GRUMTREE MINING PROUD ASSOCIATE OF THE NEW US EMBASSY PROJECT

The buildings are contractually obliged to earn a minimum Silver
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification
by the US Green Building Council. Also in his remarks at the
ground breaking ceremony then Ambassador Wharton said, “LEED
certification represents the highest standard of construction and
design to minimize our environmental impact on Zimbabwe and
maximize our contribution to sustained and responsible use of
resources here, and reflects the US Government’s commitment to
eco-diplomacy.” It would be wonderful if all new building projects in
Zimbabwe adhered to such stringent environmental standards.

21

ICC PROUD ASSOCIATE OF THE NEW US EMBASSY PROJECT

22 structure & design | ISSUE 21



of the Embassy Of United States Of America

24 structure & design | ISSUE 21

The NEC also houses
an extensive art
collection curated
by the Office of Art
in Embassies and
features 29 works
from artists from both
the United States
and Zimbabwe. Some
of the Zimbabwean
artists whose work
is on display include
the world renowned
Virginia Chihota (who
has exhibited at the
Tate and the Saatchi
Gallery), paintings
by Charles Bhebe
from Bulawayo and
an assortment of
sculptural installations
by Moffat Takadiwa.
There’s a work by
American artist
Robert Pruitt entitled
“Forever’s People”
depicting a group of
seven figures intended
to blend American and
Zimbabwean identities,
history and culture.

25

PRIDE OF AFRICA PROUD ASSOCIATE OF THE NEW US EMBASSY PROJECT

One of the most striking works is an installation by Israeli/American artist Yael Kanerek entitled Day/Night 2018. It’s a selection of brightly
coloured letters in different languages which was specially commissioned to hang in the double volume space outside the canteen.

26 structure & design | ISSUE 21

OUTSTANDING TIMBER FLOORING

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Whatsapp:+263 773 157 975
[email protected]
www.prideofafricazw.com

MAIN PROFILE

28 structure & design | ISSUE 21

It will be interesting to see what impact the NEC will have on
the surrounding suburban environment. There will no doubt
be increased traffic in the area from both the Embassy staff
and the public seeking services from the Embassy. Will the
commuter omnibuses set up new routes to transport people
from the CBD to the campus? Will the Westgate Shopping
Mall and the Bluffhill Industrial Area experience a boost
in business? What will happen to residential and commercial
property prices?
In any event the NEC represents both a huge investment and
a commitment on behalf of the United States of America to a
continued and growing relationship with us in Zimbabwe.

29

W CRANE PROUD ASSOCIATE OF THE NEW US EMBASSY PROJECT

Incidentally, late last year the USA in co- be a sign of the American people’s friendship 1,200 Zimbabweans in its completion. We hope
operation with the National Museums and and commitment to the people of Zimbabwe. to move into our new Embassy in January and
Monuments of Zimbabwe awarded a $475,000 As many of you know, we are building a new each time I walk through the doors I will think of
grant to the World Monument Fund (WMF) for Embassy here in Zimbabwe, an Embassy the true Great Zimbabwe that is here. And I will
preservation work at Great Zimbabwe. At the modelled on Great Zimbabwe. Our project be reminded of our unwavering commitment
award ceremony Ambassador Nichols said, has injected more than $40 million into the to the people and culture of Zimbabwe and the
“Our presence here in Zimbabwe continues to Zimbabwean economy and employed over friendship between our two peoples.”

30 structure & design | ISSUE 21

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32 structure & design | ISSUE 21

BSI PROUD ASSOCIATE OF THE NEW US EMBASSY PROJECT

33

HOMESTYLE BRICKS PROUD ASSOCIATE OF THE NEW US EMBASSY PROJECT

34 structure & design | ISSUE 21

Contact Details

TS E+2A63S(4O) 8N51S99A6/8L5E1983
E [email protected]
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became clear to us that perhaps one of the a significant role in the Zimbabwean solar
biggest challenges in Africa, and particularly industry with a two-pronged focus. Firstly, they
Zimbabwe, is that, although there is a plethora seek to provide top quality products at the most
of solar companies available, the reliability affordable price in the industry with a strong
of many of these companies, seem to be emphasis on customer service.
questionable, especially considering the poor Secondly, they actively seek to empower and
reputation often associated with solar systems upskill installers with ongoing professional
and their installations. support and training, contributing to
General feedback received seems to report little increasing the national level of competence
concern or care for the quality of the equipment in the Zimbabwean market. Choosing one of
supplied and, frequently, little backup expertise, their recommended installers guarantees a
after sales service, or maintenance. It is an customer peace of mind and ensures that
obvious and natural frustration to have invested their solar investment is in experienced hands.
hard-earned money in a solar system which Clientele can engage with One Stop Solar and
then fails to deliver its promised results. their installers, safe in the knowledge that all
With these concerns in mind, we followed the systems purchased will be installed correctly
articles on Old Mutual’s Eastgate Market, and professionally. This further ensures that
whose solar system was installed and supplied in the rare instance when potential warranty
by One Stop Solar. This is the same company issues arise, there are seldom cost implications
we discovered, who were involved in the supply for the client.
and installation of solar equipment at the new Over a relationally pleasant cup of coffee, Buck
US Embassy. Davy, the General Manager said, “One Stop
Investigation revealed that One Stop Solar is Solar is a unique expression of two passions -
a Zimbabwean-based company operating out the country of Zimbabwe and renewable energy.
of Harare. They are the authorized distributors We aim to be consistently reliable in pricing,
and service centre for several, top of the stock holding, customer service and product
range, internationally recognized brands knowledge. We don’t just sell renewable energy,
including Victron Energy, Fronius, Schneider, we live it!”
Discover, Blue Nova, Jinko, and other top-end For more information contact them on
solar panels. They offer a range of solutions telephone +263 (8677) 300 400 or email Buck
for any size installation from small outdoors on [email protected], or visit their website at
applications, to off-grid rural systems, through www.osszim.com.

36 structure & design | ISSUE 21

+263 (8677) 300 400 | [email protected] | www.osszim.com

AGRICULTURE • COMMERCIAL • DOMESTIC
MARINE • RURAL • TELECOM • TOURISM • TRANSPORT

ONESTOP SOLAR PROUD ASSOCIATE OF THE NEW US EMBASSY PROJECT

38 structure & design | ISSUE 21

AMERICAN EMBASSY PROJECT

BL Harbert International Gumtree
Halsteds Claude Neon Signs
BSI Steel Duratrend (SA Co)
Crossville Inc (USA Co)
Action Manufacturing Inc (USA Co) J+J and Unibond (USA Co)
Trulite (USA Co) Innovative Glass of America, Inc
Homestyle Pavers
Mc Wood Shopfitters Hanover (USA Co)
Gardenwise
Eezi Pool
Pleasure in Palms One Stop Solar
PPC
Caterpillar
Beta Bricks Symcom (USA Co)
BK Painters
JB (USA Co)
Driptech Flexcon (USA Co)
Xypex Chemical Corporation (Canadian Co) Multistack (USA Co)

Hydrotech (USA Co) Maersk
Bilco Hollar Trade
Pride of Africa
Centria (USA Co)
Acurlite Cavaco
Jet (USA Co)
PWS International Inc (USA Co) Dow (USA Co)
Clark Dietrich Building Systems (USA Co) Blue Steel
Tig Welding
Kone (SA Co)
Pomona Quarries

Bitumen World
KW Blasting
W-Cranes

39





Fr Michael Ross SJ Science Centre
opens at St George’s College

text by Michael Nott
photography by Michele Fortmann, Structure and Design, St George’s
additional photography by Richard Beattie
plans and renderings by Leeroy Simbi, Stone Beattie Studio

From modest beginnings St George’s College has grown into one of
the best schools on the continent. In 2003 Africa Almanac ranked St
George’s 5th out of the 100 best schools in all of Africa.

Bulawayo Boys’ Public School was founded in Bulawayo in 1896 by a
French Jesuit, Fr Marc Bathélemy SJ. (The SJ after his name stands
for the Society of Jesus or the Jesuit order and the school remains a
Catholic school to this day.) Initially the school building was a small
corrugated-iron hut with two windows and there were just six pupils.
It was called Bulawayo Boys’ School at the time. Two years later in
1898 there were 25 pupils and a permanent building was erected. In
December of that year, at the first prize-giving ceremony, the school
was renamed St George’s Boys’ Public School.

As more teachers arrived from overseas and more pupils were
enrolled the original site was considered too restricted and too close
to the town centre of Bulawayo. The Jesuits already owned property in
what was then Salisbury – Hartmann Hill – which at that time was a
pleasant, rural site considered ideal for educating young men - so in
1927 the school relocated to Salisbury.

The original cottage on the site was replaced by the impressive castle-
like Administration block – reminiscent of Hogwarts from the Harry
Potter films!

42 structure & design | ISSUE 21

43



8
· Land Developing
· General Contracting
· Cluster Housing
· Hospitals and clinical laboratories
· Commercial Buildings
· Extensions and Alterations

Contact Us:-

David: (263) 722 147 626 [email protected]
Richard: (263) 772 601 257 [email protected]
Office: (263) 4 305456/7

SPACE OF THE MONTH

The architect for the early buildings was Fr Louis
Lebœuf SJ and the main builder was Br John Conway
SJ. In 1934 Sir Robert Stanley established the Beit
Hall. In 1940 the Fr Crehan Library was built, in
1955 the new dormitory wing and the laboratories
were built and in 1973 the permanent Chapel was
constructed. These are just some of the highlights of
the history of the development of the College as it has
grown from just a few pupils to the current enrolment
of over 700 students.

In the years before Independence N
government schools in what was then
Rhodesia were racially segregated. St SITE PLAN
George’s, being a private school, was allowed 1:2000
a limited number of black students, which
was considered very liberal at the time. The CAR PORT
College’s first multi-racial intake was in 1963
and St George’s has continued to foster
forward looking policies.

As the school has continued to grow there ROAD
has been more and more pressure on the
available classroom space. In particular ROAD
the classrooms or laboratories for the
science subjects, which were ordinary ROAD
classrooms that had been adapted many
years ago, were no longer adequate or fit for PAVED
purpose. As part of a larger and on-going
development scheme, around five years ago PATH
the local architectural company, The Stone ROAD
Beattie Studio, was asked to draw up a
strategic plan for better space usage. Their GRAND STAND POOL
plan was to build a new dedicated science
section which would have classrooms and ROAD
technical preparation rooms specifically
designed to suit the needs of modern PAVED
scientific education – in particular in the
fields of chemistry, biology and physics. PAVED

GRAND STAND PAVED

PARKING

GSPublisherVersion 0.0.100.100

46 structure & design | ISSUE 21

47

SPACE OF THE MONTH

FROM THE GROUND-BREAKING TO THE BUILD

48 structure & design | ISSUE 21

This would mean that the old laboratories Computer Sciences Laboratories were recycled to accommodate five chemistry classrooms,
could be returned to their original functions from the old science laboratories, in keeping three physics classrooms and three biology
as general classrooms, in so doing creating with the Jesuit ethos of respect and care for the classrooms, as well as technical preparation
more space, and the designated functions environment and re-using existing resources.) rooms for each discipline, a staff hub and
of the classrooms could be consolidated. The Jesuit order has always had particular relevant offices. In addition the Centre can
So, for example, all the classrooms used interest in the teaching of science subjects cater for the circulation of a large number
for Geography or English could be grouped and these developments are in line with the of students. Each of the eleven classrooms
together in a single department rather than government’s STEM (Science, Technology, has around 30 students so at the end of a
spread around the campus. In addition the Engineering and Mathematics) initiative. teaching period over 300 students will be
new Computer Sciences Laboratories could going out of their classrooms and another
be commissioned in the Bulawayo wing. The new Fr Michael Ross SJ Science Centre 300 will be going in. Part of the design
(Interestingly, the desktops and benches in the was designed by The Stone Beattie Studio solution adopted by Stone Beattie includes a

49

SPACE OF THE MONTH

EAST ELEVATION
1:500

GSPublisherVersion 0.0.100.100

SOUTH LEVATION
1:500

GSPublisherVersion 0.0.100.100

WEST ELEVATION
1:500

light and airy central atrium containing the vertical circulation of stair separate building but Stone Beattie has designed a sort of cloister
and ramp access with classrooms leading off on either side as well behind the biology laboratories so everything can be incorporated in
as an open colonnade in keeping with the design of other existing a single structure. The result is an elegantly functional and practical
GSPublisherVersion 0c.0.l1a00.s10s0 room blocks. In addition there was a requirement for 240 lockers design with durable finishes and few architectural or decorative
for the pupils. Initially these were planned to be accommodated in a flourishes.

50 structure & design | ISSUE 21