SD Issue 47 Digital

ELEGANCE, STYLE AND COMFORT

– 588 Hawkshead Drive

text by Michael Nott | photos by Structure and Design

WHEN THE DEVELOPERS APPROACHED THE
LOCAL COMPANY NYATSANZA ARCHITECTS
THE BRIEF WAS TO CREATE A MIXTURE OF TWO
AND THREE BEDROOM TOWNHOUSES WITH AN
EMPHASIS ON ENTERTAINMENT SPACE, LUXURY
AND A FEELING OF BEING COMFORTABLY
AT HOME. THE SITE WAS PARTICULARLY
CHALLENGING AS IT SLOPES EAST/WEST AS
WELL AS NORTH/SOUTH AND THE GROUND
IS VERY ROCKY. INITIALLY THE DEVELOPER
WANTED THREE 3 BEDROOM UNITS AND THREE
2 BEDROOM UNITS BUT THE RESTRICTIONS OF
THE SITE MEANT THAT THE BEST OPTION WAS
TO ONLY HAVE TWO 3 BEDROOM UNITS. THIS
WOULD ALLOW FOR ALL THE HOUSES TO HAVE
GOOD VIEWS AS WELL AS SOME PRIVACY AND
SEPARATION FROM THEIR NEIGHBOURS.

The site is conveniently located, close to Borrowdale
Brooke and the Helensvale Shopping Centre and
within easy travelling distance to Sam Levy’s Village.
It’s a quiet area just off Crowhill Road and it’s fully
walled and gated so it’s very secure. There’s even a
guard house and an office at the gate so residents can
feel confident that their security is always assured.

ISSUE 47 51

residential profile

The driveway follows the original slope of the
site – built up on the north east side for the 3
bedroom units (allowing them to have a good
view) and cut down on the south west side
for the 2 bedroom units. The 2 bedroom units
also have views across the small valley over
to Crowhill Road. The driveway was paved by
NEHMS Construction who also did the stone
retaining walls and the storm water drains.

Work started on site in August
2020 and was mostly completed
by November 2021, except for
final finishes, with occupation
currently in progress. The main
contractor was Project 56 with
the developer acting as project
manager and the architect
consulting on technical issues.
The developer was very hands
on and involved in all aspects
of the build, including providing
input for the interior finishes
and the garden landscaping. The
homes are solidly built brick
under pale green Chromadek
roofs with aluminium doors
and windows – apart from the
imposing front doors of solid
teak timber with decorative glass
insets. The roofs were supplied
and fitted by Tregers Products.

52 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

-Custom pivot doors
-Sliding and Folding doors
-Standard size doors & frames

-Barn doors
- Windows
- Skirting & Architraves

25 Connaught Rd, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe Bay 6, 75 Roberts Drive, Msasa,
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 242 334566/334567/334568 Tel: +263 242 447315
Reception: +263 77 3 687 010-11

Hotline : +263 77 2 410 415
@lupanetimberszimbabwe | Email: [email protected] | www.lupanetimbers.co.zw

All the units have a single car garage with entry directly from have a small smoke lobby with two doors – one into the lobby and
the garage into the home, as well as entry via a front door. the second door into the home. The doors are fire rated for extra
There’s plenty of room for a second car to be parked on the safety and also help to filter and screen out exhaust fumes from
driveway without obstructing other traffic. The garage entrances the garage.

ISSUE 47 53

Services We Offer

Architectural Aluminium and Glass works , Stainless Balustrades
Frameless Glass Fittings , Built in Cupboards
Awnings and Garage Doors

Bay 2, 23 Conald Rd, Graniteside, Harare +263772529781 / +263776910855 / +263776910650 @TPS Designs

For the 3 bedroom units there’s an open plan lounge, dining room also an unplastered brick wall section near the kitchen to add
and kitchen with a double sided fireplace providing some partial texture and warmth.
demarcation between the lounge and dining room. The fireplaces
inside and on the patios were supplied and installed by Jetmaster. The lounge opens up to the outdoor space through aluminium folding
The chimney breast has an unusual paint effect of triangular shapes doors leading to a huge verandah terrace for entertaining. There’s an
to add some texture and interest to the space. The lounge area has outdoor braai/fireplace for cooking and for keeping warm in winter. It’s
a bulkhead ceiling with concealed blue strip lighting for mood and an entertainer’s paradise for family and friends or just for enjoying a
ambiance, as well as downlighters for more practical lighting. There’s sundowner and taking in the view.

54 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

The kitchen was
designed and fitted
by FITT Interiors who
also did the built in
wardrobes and other
details around the home.
It has Caesarstone
counter tops, metro tile
splash backs and white
cabinets. The kitchen
has all the mod-cons
including induction and
gas hobs and a separate
wall mounted oven.
For additional storage
there’s a small pantry to
keep all your clutter out
of sight.

ISSUE 47 55

We specialise in

All plumbing services,drainlaying ,
Borehole installation,tank and tankstand installation,

Solar geysers and all other plumbing repairs.

Address: 2278 New Marlborough Harare Business contacts: 0719231611 / 0784563984

56 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

The master bedroom also
has concealed strip lighting
in the ceiling for a softer
and more intimate lighting
option. The bedroom faces
onto a small private courtyard
at the back with a garden
space and stone retaining
walls to accommodate the
steep slope. There’s an ample
dressing room space with
built in cupboards leading to
the en suite bathroom. The
bathroom has an elegant free
standing bath tub as well as
a generous shower and a top
of the range vanity. The client
has selected wall tiles that
suggests a stone wall finish.

ISSUE 47 57

residential profile

Across the lounge, and accessed by an unusual interior frosted glass door, are the
other two bedrooms which share a bathroom with both a bathtub and a shower.
The 2 bedroom units are obviously slightly smaller than the 3 bedroom units. They
have the same garage parking space with the two door lobby for entrance from
the garage as well as a solid timber front door. The front door opens directly to a
compact lounge space with a feature fireplace. In the 2 bedroom units the kitchen
is separate, accessed through an interior frosted glass door but it has the same high
quality facilities as the 3 bedroom units. The kitchen opens up to a slightly smaller
verandah which also has a built in braai/fireplace for entertaining – with a great view
across the valley.
An internal glass door leads to the bedroom wing. The master has an en suite
bathroom with a very generous shower while there’s a separate bathroom for the
second bedroom with a bathtub and a shower. The developer has chosen distinctive
wall tiles for the all the different bathrooms giving each room a different character.

58 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

Our Services Retaining Walls EXCELLENCY
Tennis Courts IS OUR
Paving Works Roadworks STRENGTH
Stonework
Building Construction Water Reticulation Contact us +263 773 451 050
Renovations Sewer Reticulation +263 774 602 480
Landscaping
[email protected]

Unit 8, Block 5 Prospect Flats
Waterfalls
Harare

Floors throughout all the units, including the verandahs, and even
the parking garage, are all clad in ceramic tiles for easy cleaning
and maintenance. An interesting little detail is that the tiled
skirtings are finished with edging strip at the top to stop dust
accumulating and making them easier to clean.

The site is not connected to the municipal sewer system and
digging septic tanks in the rocky soil would have presented an
extremely difficult challenge and, in addition, the soil is not really
suitable for soakaways. Architect Nyatsanza came up with an
innovative solution – a bio-digester system which is extremely
efficient and environmentally friendly. The system was constructed
locally by an affiliate of ZERA and took around four weeks for full
installation. The waste water from the houses is fed into a system
of tanks where the solid waste is broken down and the black and
grey water is cleaned and disinfected in a natural, environmentally
friendly manner. Although the clean water is apparently potable
at Hawkshead it’s recycled and used to irrigate the gardens
while a borehole supplies drinking water. Although the system
is becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world –
especially for its efficient water saving and recycling properties –
it’s pretty new technology for Zimbabwe. In fact, it took Nyatsanza
Architects about a year to convince the City Council to grant
permission for the system. It’s now becoming more prevalent
around Harare, especially for cluster home developments.

Nyatsanza Architects, together with input from the developers,
has succeeded in creating five elegant homes with a comfortable
feel that are great for a family and perfect for entertaining.

ISSUE 47 59

residential profile

588 HAWKSHEAD DRIVE CLUSTER HOMES

Nyatsanza Architects TPS Designs
Nehms Construction Halsted Brothers
Homestyle Bricks Prime World
PG Timbers Fitt Interiors
Willdale Bricks Courjem Plumbers 
Beta Bricks Nash Paints
Lafarge Cendiwe Pvt Ltd
Lupane Timbers

PRODUCTS ON OFFER Opening Hours
Mon- Fri: 08:00hrs - 16:30hrs
Round & Square Tubes
Flat Bars Sat: 08:00hrs - 13:00hrs
Clossed Sundays and public Holidays
Round Bars & Deformed Bar
Metal Sheets
Roof Sheets

Galvanised Sheets
Angle Iron
Mesh Wire

Channel Iron- Welding Rods
FX7, FZ, RT6, RT13, RF4B Window Sections

Barbed Wire
Diamond Fencing

Contact Details
23 Coventry Road, Workington, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: 0242 751566-901 / 0242 752240-255
Cell: 0773 982 483 Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ajarasteel.com
60 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

Architects‘ Yearbook

We design, manufacture & install customised products as per client’s taste & requirements!

GLASS SALES
AT WHOLESALE

PRICE!

Aluminium & Glass Office Partitioning

046

Guaranteed Quality at Best Price and Best Advice! 61
ISSUE 47

retail profile

AVONDALE BON MARCHE

BECOMES THE GROUP’S NEW

FLAGSHIP text by Michael Nott | photos by Structure and Design
plans by Nyatsanza Architects

62 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

Bon Marche Stores are a part of the OK Zimbabwe Limited Group which
includes OK Stores and OK Mart Stores. The Group currently has 50 OK
Supermarkets, 8 Bon Marche Stores and 7 OK Mart Stores spread across
Zimbabwe. Bon Marche Stores are concentrated in Harare with branches
in select low density suburbs including Avondale, Belgravia, Chisipite,
Borrowdale, Borrowdale Brooke, Eastlea, Mount Pleasant and Westgate.
‘Bon Marche’ is a French phrase that roughly translates as ‘it’s a good deal’
or ‘a bargain’.

ISSUE 47 63

Metal Fabrication, Balustrades
Staircases, Steel Structures

0785 282 252
242

0785 282 252

64 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

BEFORE

ELEVATION
THE NEW FLAGSHIP

ISSUE 47 65

retail profile

(242) 793387/796052/328 CCTV’s
08677008875 INTRUDER ALARMS
COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
offi[email protected] ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

FIRE ALARMS
GATE AUTOMATION

66 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

OK Zimbabwe Limited has a long history in Zimbabwe. Their first store OK Zimbabwe Ltd had a brief to enlarge the supermarket and bring
opened in First Street in Harare (then Salisbury) in 1942 and they’ve its image up to regional and international standards and this task
continued to grow ever since to become one of the leading retail outlets was led by Architect Tsungayi Nyatsanza. They also wanted the new
in the country. OK Zimbabwe Limited is now listed on the Zimbabwe store to make a statement within the Avondale Shopping Centre
Stock Exchange. proclaiming itself as a cut above the rest of the surrounding shops.

Recently OK Zimbabwe Limited has embarked on a project to renovate The old structure was originally split in two with a diagonally angled
and improve all their existing stores and the Avondale branch was front on the right hand side. The open space created by the angled
selected as the flagship for Bon Marche’s upgrades. The Avondale shop fronts was taken up by parking bays. The design team’s
branch first opened in the 1970s and was last renovated in 2012, so the solution was to create a single unified façade extending the whole
interior had become a little dated and it was due for a facelift. width of the building and incorporating the parking space into the
interior of the store. Parking in the Shopping Centre is generally a
bit congested but tends to free up once the banks close at 3.00 pm
and the majority of the other shops close at 5.00 pm. Bon Marche
is usually busiest after 5.00 pm when shoppers call in after work
on their way home so sacrificing a few parking bays was not a huge
problem.

Straightening up the front added 460 square metres of interior
space as well as modernising and updating the exterior. The floor
level of the shop is considerably higher than the parking area so
ramps lead up to the forecourt and entrance and a trolley bay
has been incorporated on the left side, behind a planter box. The
most significant change to the façade is the dramatic new roof line
which sweeps up from the old roof height on the right to double
height on the left hand side. The new roof section is higher than
the surrounding structures so it makes a strong visual statement
and helps to make the building stand out. There’s extensive glazing
between the old wall height and the new roofline which also gives
the shop front a much more contemporary look. The exterior colour
palette is a muted khaki/green on the walls with a dark charcoal
grey Chromadek parapet above the glazing. The parapet creates a
strong background for the big, bright green Bon Marche logo. There
are two large entrance/exit openings which can be closed with
roller shutter doors in the evenings and on the far right is a smaller
dedicated entrance for the Liquor Store. The liquor department can
also be accessed from inside the shop.

ISSUE 47 67

We make every Project a
worthwhile experience!

Manifest is a wholly owned Zimbabwean Company specializing in Building and Civil Engineering Construction, Project
Management, and other related services which include renovations, redecoration, project advisory and facilities management.

rough e ective Management, we control and deliver construction projects to cost and on program, minimizing risk whilst
maintaining safety, achieving, quality and maximizing investment returns. We are known for high quality residential homes, state
of the art education facilities, Classical corporate buildings, telecoms infrastructure, water and sewer systems, as well as Mining

infrastructure.
With over 20 years experience in the industry, we are dedicated to providing the residential, commercial and industrial markets

with personal, prompt, e cient, e ective and reliable service.

“QUALITY IS FREE”

Visit: Stand No.2373 Blu ill Westgate. Call: 0773788279 / 0712203746
Email: [email protected] Website: www.manifest.co.zw

68 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

STORE LAYOUT

ISSUE 47 69

retail profile

The additional
space at the front
of the shop means
that the tills could
be moved forward
freeing up more
shelving and
display capacity.
There are now
12 tills – up from
the original 8 – so
customers don’t
have to wait in
a queue and
customer service
is improved. The
liquor section
has its own
till which also
relieves pressure
on the general
supermarket tills.

Apart from the tills the new space incorporates additional gondola gives it a more modern, industrial look. The roof has been designed
shelving as well as the fresh fruit and vegetable section. The natural light and engineered so that there are no supporting pillars keeping the new
from the high glass windows, or vertical skylights, helps to make the fruit space totally open and adaptable. The older section has supporting
and veg look particularly attractive and accentuates the bright colours pillars which limits the way the shelves can be laid out. Light grey, non-
of the produce. It set the tone for the rest of the shop emphasising slip, heavy duty porcelain tiles have been used throughout the shop
wholesome freshness and goodness. The new section doesn’t have a helping to link the old and the new sections. Following OK Zimbabwe
suspended ceiling, instead the full height of the roof can be seen adding finishes specification, and with the guidance of Architect Nyatsanza, in
to a more spacious and open feel. Steel beams can be seen below the the original part of the store dark grey ceiling tiles were installed which
Alububble insulation and the air-conditioning ducting is exposed which actually makes the ceiling recede and look higher than it really is.

70 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

In the original part of the store the layout has not been radically changed – the Bakery, Deli and Butchery counters still run along the back wall but
new counters, shopfitting, signage and branding modernises their overall look. These three sections have been pushed a little forward into the
shop to create more space within these departments so that they can cater for the expected higher customer turnover

ISSUE 47 71

14 Fereday Road, Eastlea, Harare Specialists In:
+263772224890 / +263779605071
[email protected]

The additional space gained STRUCTURE & DESIGN
by the front extension has
meant that Bon Marche has
been able to expand their DIY
hardware department now
branded as ‘Farm It, Build It’.
It has a good range of general
garden and hardware stock
and gives an introduction to
the wider range of farming
and building products which
are available at their sister
outlet OKmart Mega Stores.
In addition Bon Marche
has been able to enlarge
their House and Home
department with a wider
range of appliances and home
accessories, including an
outdoor and camping section.

OK Operations requested
ablution facilities for all
future renovations to Bon
Marche stores space which
sets them apart from other
supermarkets. Just an
extra facility for customers’
convenience and comfort.

72

ISSUE 47 73

The beverage section’s fridges
back onto the fridges for the
liquor department. It saves on
cooling equipment and also
helps cordon off the liquor
store from the general shop.
The liquor department is
much bigger and now offers
a wider range of wines and
other top quality products.

74 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

Generally, in all departments, the extra space has allowed Bon Marche Nyatsanza Architects designed the renovations and extensions with
to expand their product choices. They’ve kept all the old products and Sirston Consultants acting as the engineers and project managers. The
added new ranges – mostly for more upmarket and exclusive products. main contractor was Manifest Contractors, while Creative Systems
supplied and fitted the aluminium and glass windows, the ceilings and
Work on the renovations started in mid-2020 with the official opening the shopfitting, and the roof was installed by City Fabricators with
of the new and improved store taking place in December 2021. Work materials supplied by Africa Steel. The project was important not only
on the project was slowed down by the Covid-19 pandemic and also for the Avondale store but also to create a template and a brand image
because of the fact that the store didn’t close while the renovations were for future renovations of Bon Marche’s other outlets. The renovations
taking place. During opening hours workers could only perform the less and improvements are also likely to inspire other property owners in
disruptive tasks while noisy and dusty work would have to take place at the Shopping Centre to consider upgrading their own premises.
night after the store had closed. The project had to be done in carefully Bon Marche Avondale is open from 7.30 am to 8.00 pm seven days a
planned phases to minimise disturbance and inconvenience for shoppers. week, so drop in for a great range of products at bargain prices.

Visit: 42 Van Praagh Avenue, Milton Park, Harare Tel: +263 8677 000 125/258 / +263 8688 003 096
Mobile: +263 772 516 519 / +263 712 613 410 E-mail: [email protected]

NATIONAL IT WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE BON MARCHE ON THE NEW RENOVATIONS OF THE AVONDALE BRANCH

ISSUE 47 75

[email protected] Aluminium Shop Fronts & Windows
[email protected] Aluminium Sliding Mirror Doors
+263 0778 883 161 / 719 400 474 Acoustic Office Partitions
Facade Engineering
+263 242 669 783/4 Customised Furniture
Suspended Ceilings
73 Douglas Road, Workington, Harare Kichens & Cabinetry
Window Blinds
www.creativesystems.co.zw

BON MARCHE PROJECT TEAM

OK Zimbabwe Crittal Hope

Sirston Consultants Industrial Switch Gear

Manifest Contractors Pomona Quarry

Union Hardware Union Hardware

Log  Engineers Radio Solutions

Merge Power Tile and Carpet

Longden Steel Highway Asphalt

Creative Systems Teechers Furniture

PPC Greklin

Beta Bricks Four Ways Concrete

Seflex Extreme Fire Design

Africa Steel  National IT

City Fabricators Freight World

Halsted Timbers BSI Steel

76 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

SUPPLIERS AND CONTRACTORS FOR BON MARCHE AVONDALE

Architectural Design - Nyatsanza Architects.
Renovations headed - OK Zimbabwe Projects Team with consults:
Sirston Consultants - Engineers
Manifest Contractors - main contractor
Creative systems - aluminium and glass
City Fabricators - roof installation with Africa Steel supplying materials
Merge Power Suppliers - air-conditioning
Amps Engineering - shelving
OK Marketing team with Amazing Signs - signage
OK Projects team - Refrigeration cabinet installation supplied by
Colcab
Eng. Chisina with OK Projects team - Electrical Consultant

Roller Shutter Doors by

For Engineering and Construction Supplies

Workshop
Stand 1262, 24 Street
Tynwald Industrial, Harare
Tel: 242 304341/2
0772 262 869/ 0712 203 507
Email: [email protected]

ISSUE 47 77

PROUD TO BE THE MAIN CONTRACTORS OF ELECTROSALES MUTARE BRANCH

Address: 16 Neil Avenue, Msasa, Harare Call: +263 242 447400
Email: [email protected] Website: www.tps.co.zw

78 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

New modern shop for

ELECTROSALES MUTARE

ELECTROSALES ARE THE PRE-EMINENT HARDWARE SUPPLIERS WITH OUTLETS text by Michael Nott
SPREAD ACROSS THE COUNTRY FROM BULAWAYO TO VICTORIA FALLS, AND photos by Structure and Design
JUST ABOUT EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN. WITH 20 OUTLETS NATIONWIDE plans supplied by Mainland Development Group
THERE’S SURE TO BE A BRANCH NEAR YOU. ELECTROSALES ARE CONTINUALLY
STRIVING TO EXPAND THEIR BRANCH NETWORK ACROSS ZIMBABWE SO YOU
CAN EXPECT TO SEE A FEW NEW BRANCHES IN OTHER AREAS IN THE COMING
MONTHS FOR EVEN MORE CUSTOMER CONVENIENCE.

ISSUE 47 79

commercial profile

80 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

Electrosales supplies a huge range of products strong, loyal bonds with major contractors were formerly situated at 39 Tembwe Street
for everyone from big contractors to small in the building and construction industry as in the CBD, but have now relocated to their
DIY projects offering a comprehensive range well as thousands of DIY enthusiasts. Their up-to-date shop at 458A Robert Mugabe
of products with the best quality at highly extensive product range of over 15,000 lines Road, cnr Second Street. Work on the project
competitive prices. In addition all their staff covers everything you need for painting, started in April last year – it was significantly
are well trained and helpful and can give you plumbing, electrical installations, building, both delayed by the Covid restrictions – and the
the best advice about your hardware needs. hand and power tools, outdoor gear, gardening, new shop opened on 1st November this year.
Electrosales have a fresh and innovative automotive spares and parts, and much, much The project was designed by Fadzai Mangoma
approach to retail marketing, developing more. This makes Electrosales your first one from local architectural firm Nyambuya and
relationships with customers from bulk buyers stop shop for all your hardware needs. Associates. Total Property Solutions (TPS)
to home owners just looking for a few pots were the main contractors with Mangoma and
of paint or some simple home maintenance One of their latest developments is their TPS acting together as the project managers. S
needs. Over the years Electrosales has formed brand new, custom built shop in Mutare. They A Norton were the project engineers.

ISSUE 47 81

the Smartest Build in Steel
STEEL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS

The Steel Building Company, East-Wing, Ground Floor Call: +263 242 621 540

82 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

SECOND STREET

RL 46.50 RL 46.75 RL 47.00

RL 46.25 4100
6037
DEMOLISH RL 46.25 RL 47.25
TARMAC RL 46.50 4100 RL 47.50
RL 46.75
FLOORS RL 47.00 ROBERT MUGABE RL 47.75
RL 47.25
REMOVE COLUMNS RL 47.25 ISSUE 47 83 RL 47.75
REMOVE RL 47.50
DEMOLISH EXISTING RL 48.00
TARMAC WINDOWS RL 47.75
FLOORS RL 48.00 RL 48.25
REMOVE COLUMNS RL 48.25
RL 48.50 EXIT TURN
DEMOLISH BRICK LEFT ONLY
COLUMNS DEMOLISH WALLS
RL 48.50
2 DEMOLITION PLAN DEMOLISH WALLS REMOVE COLUMNS REMOVE DOORS
RL 48.75
1 : 200 B AVENUE DEMOLISH TARMAC FLOORS DEMOLISH BRICK COLUMNS 4802 2978 DEMOLISH WALLS REMOVE
EXISTING RL 49.00
98.85 METRES 115 13330 115 14768 2789 2301649345 WINDOWS
7517 RL 49.25
PROPOSED EXTENSION AND
RENOVATION ON STAND 458A MUTARE RL 49.50

SECOND STREET RL 49.75

94.51 METRES MH

4100 MH CONCRETE DRAIN FOUNDATION
6037 690x230 concrete strip footing to take 230mm brickwork.
1 SITE PLAN 280 sqm EXTENSION 575 x 230mm under 115mm internal partitions.
4100 Depth to be determined by site conditions- min 700mm.
1 : 200 Brickwork under DPC to have brickforce every 2 courses.
98.85 METRES
40mm SCREED GRANO 230 SLAB
ROBERT MUGABE ROAD 100mm concrete floor slab in 1:3:6 mixture on minimum
100mm CONC. FLOOR 230mm BRICK WALL 150mm rammed fill after removal of all loose turf-ant-proof
SLAB ON DPC DPC treatment underside fill and to 1500 beyond curtillage of
roof
EXISTING CONCRETE DRAIN 6mm GLASS TO BE TINTED, POWDER COATED ALUMINIUM 150 100 40 Slab level to be minimum 230mm above natural ground
BUILDING COLOUR TO BE SELECTED WINDOW FRAME TO BE SELECTED 230 470 300 level.
MH BY OWNER BY OWNER
MH 700 BRICKWORK
EXTERIOR INTERIOR Above DPC, brickforce every four courses. Prestressed
150mm WELL COMPACTED lintols over door and window openings.
BRICK ON EDGE SILL HARDCORE External brickwork woodfloat sand/cement render to take
D.P.C UNDER SILL two coats external PVA paint.Kitchen and bathroom areas
STRIP FOUNDATION TO to have wall tile to door head + render and set + pva. All
ALL EXTERNAL WINDOWS TO SPECIALIST'S DETAILS & other rooms render and set to take two
HAVE A KEY LOCK INTERNALLY. SPECIFICATION coats external quality pva.

FOUNDATION DEPTH TO BE 690 SEWERAGE
DETERMINED ON SITE All drains below ground level to be salt glazed earthenware
MINIMAL = 700mm pipes
Soil pipes above ground level to be cast iron
EXISTING BUILDING 3 BRICK EDGE DETAIL 4 FOUDATION DETAILS Drains taken under the floor slab to be cast iron and to be
encased in concrete.
1 : 20 1 : 20 Inspection eyes to be provided at every pipe bend and
junction
Gradient of 110mmo steel galvanised pipes to be minimum
1:60 below ground level.
Gradient of 110mmo cast iron pipe above ground level to
be minimum 1:80
Invert level to be 450mm below NGL at start of drain

6 SITE PLAN 94.51 METRES

1 : 500 HERBERT CHITEPO STREET

- BUILDER TO IDENTIFY ALL SERVICES BEFORE COMMENCEMENT OF WORK. - REINFORCED CONCRETE FOOTINGS AND RETAINING WALLS TO ENGINEER'S DESIGN. MIEKLES PROPERTIES

- BUILDER TO INDENTIFY ALL CORNER STAR PEGS ON SITE AND CONSIDER IDENTIFICATION - ALL MEASUREMENTS IN MILLIMETRES UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
SURVEY BEFORE CONSTRUCTION COMMENCES. - STRUCTURAL WORK TO BE DONE AND SUPERVISED BY A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

- ALL SITEWORKS ARE TO BE CARRIED OUT TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE GEOTECHNICAL - AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE THE BUILDER IS SUPPOSED TO COMPLY WITH THE LOCAL BUILDING
ENGINEERS.
INSPECTOR'S DIRECTIVES AS SET OUT IN THE M.B.B.L. OR UNDER LOCAL AUTHORITY'S BY-
- NO HYDRAULIC SERVICES SHALL RUN UNDER OR UNDERMINE THE FOOTINGS WITHOUT LAWS.

THE PRIOR CONSENT OF THE SUPERVISING ENGINEER. - THE CONTRACTOR SHALL NOTIFY AND OBTAIN THE APPROVAL OF THE PLANNING
- DRAINS TAKEN UNDER THE FLOOR SLAB TO BE CAST IRON OR HIGH DENSITY uPVC PIPES
DEPARTMENT AND / OR THE FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER FOR ANY WORKS UNDER THEIR
AND ARE TO BE ENCASED IN CONCRETE. RESPECTIVE JURISDICTION REQUIRING INSPECTIONS PRIOR TO COVERING UP OR

- ALL UNDERGROUND SERVICES SHALL BE EXCAVATED WITH THE TRENCH CUT TO SHED PROCEEDING WITH SUBSEQUENT WORK
WATER AWAY FROM BUILDING. - THIS DRAWING IS TO BE READ AND UNDERSTOOD IN CONJUNCTION WITH STRUCTURAL,

- FIELD GULLYS WHERE REQUIRED, TO BE LOCATED BY BUILDER UNLESS NOTED ON MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL AND/ OR ANY OTHER CONSULTANT / s DOCUMENTATION AS
DRAWINGS.
MAY BE APPLICABLE TO THE PROJECT PRIOR TO START OF WORKS ITS DURATION.
- BUILDER TO CONFIRM SETOUT DIMENSIONS PRIOR TO SLAB BEING POURED.

- BUILDER TO VERIFY ALL DIMENSIONS AND LEVELS PRIOR TO ANNOUNCEMENT OF
EARTHWORKS.

- REINFORCED CONCRETE SLAB MIN. 230mm ABOVE FINISHED NATURAL GROUND LEVEL TO
ENGINEER'S DESIGN.

commercial profile The roof was a bit of a jumble of different
After almost a decade in their original heights and materials so the whole roof was
shop in Tembwe Street Electrosales had removed and replaced with a new Chromadek
outgrown the premises and were looking roof with a single centre ridge, and all the
to expand when the property along old existing gable ends were removed. The
Robert Mugabe Road became available. roof is made of charcoal grey Chromadek
The building on Robert Mugabe Road had with some translucent sheets for natural
become a little run down and some parts lighting, although there are LED high bay
of it were derelict. It was collection of lights if additional lighting is needed. There’s
smaller shops with different floor levels no ceiling so the steel trusses are exposed
and a disjointed roof structure and it was and Alububble sheeting has been installed
badly in need of updating and modernising for insulation. There are a series of whirlybird
to suit Electrosales’ purposes and to vents for natural ventilation. The roof was
bring it line with their corporate image also raised about one and a half metres to
nationwide. There was also an extension accommodate Electrosales shelving and stock
later incorporated in the refurbishments storage space. In addition a new Chromadek
to create additional storage space. portico was installed over the entrance for
The interior of the structure was shelter from sun and rain and also to make the
completely gutted and all the interior façade more aesthetically appealing. The new
walls removed back to the shell. The roof was installed by Agristructures, a division
floors were raised or chopped down and of The Steel Building Company.
a single concrete slab was poured to
help rationalise the different levels. The
exterior walls were not straight and a bit
doubtful in places so a new concrete ring
beam was installed to make the structure
more stable and stronger. Internal columns
were also added for additional stability.
The store is now just over 1000 sq. m.
In the extension the walls had subsided
and it was discovered that the foundations
were inadequate so parts had to be
underpinned with new foundations.

84 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

G GRAPNOTE STEEL
CUTTING BENDING FIXING WELDING DECK SHUTTERING
No 390 Willowvale Road, Southerton, Harare
Tel: +263 242 664703
Cell: +263 737 306 125, +263 772 671 047, +263 780 731 604, +263 773 632 463, +263 774 175 757, +263 772 714 094, +263 788 275 725

www.grapnotesteel.co.zw

Si i e a a n i i o e en oISSUE 47 85

commercial profile

The extension was an existing structure which was sort of tacked on to
the end of the original space demarcated for Electrosales. It was not
part of the original design but it seemed appropriate to include it in the
renovations and restructuring exercise and Electrosales then decided
to use it – mainly as storage for excess stock and for dispatch. The
extension is on a slightly lower level so the roof and the floor are lower,
but it also has a new roof of charcoal grey Chromadek so it blends in
with the rest of the structure. The whole building is now a sort of L
shape embracing two sides of the parking space.

There was a new wall built across the façade linking all the old disparate
buildings together. Where possible the new walls have been left
unplastered – just all painted white – so the old and the new blend
seamlessly. The front façade has however been plastered to give a
more sophisticated look to the entrance. There are two roller shutters
on the façade, one acting as an entrance and one as an exit, as well as a
series of small, high level windows for interior light. The result is a single
integrated front face that looks unified and cohesive. Local signage
company Dzines supplied and installed all the exterior signage as well
as the signage inside the shop. Most of the interior layout of the racks
and the till points was done by Electrosales’ in house team.

As well as the roller shutter doors at the entrance there are additional
loading doors at the back accessed by a side entrance.

Because of the slope of the site it was necessary to build a retaining
wall in order to create a level parking space in front of the shop. The
retaining wall was built from D-blocks (so creepers and other shrubs
can be planted) and the parking area has been clad in hard fired
common bricks.

Electrosales reports that the public’s response has been very positive
with a substantial growth in sales volumes. The new shop’s location
is more convenient and because they now have much more space,
they can carry a wider range of stock. There is added convenience
for customers with the onsite parking whereas before, it was quite
congested at the old premises. Electrosales has increased their staff
contingent in Mutare to 28, up from 17 at the old store. They have 20
outlets nationwide with over 1,000 employees making them the leading
hardware supplier in Zimbabwe. And if you can’t find what you need in
store speak to the manager and they’ll do their best to order for you!

86 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE
AT ELECTROSALES

ISSUE 47 87

commercial profile

ELECTROSALES LIST OF SUPPLIERS To find out more visit or call the branch nearest
you or visit their website at
Electrosales Groundswell www.electrosales.co.zw.
Nyambuya & Associates Sino Cement
S A Norton Dzines HARARE
Total Property Solutions Beta Bricks
Halsted Brothers Gedhap Painters AVONDALE: Shop 11-13, New Avondale Shops
Prime Agencies The Steel Building Co. (0242) 335906 / 336631
Grapnote Steel Joubert Crushers
BORROWDALE SAM LEVY’S: Shop 61, Sam
Levy’s Village (0242) 885627 / 886737-8

BORROWDALE VILLAGE WALK: Shop 14,
Village Walk, Borrowdale 08688002226/7

CAMERON STREET: 85 Cameron Street (0242)
759351/773352-4

GRANITESIDE: Gate 1 Powerspeed Complex,
Kelvin Road North (0242) 771100-6/ 771097-9

HARARE STREET: 105 Harare Street (0242)
781105 / 788522
MOUNT PLEASANT: Bond Street Shopping
Centre (0242) 334074/335043/ 335174

MSASA: 59 Steven Drive (0242) 446724-25/
447822/ 486690

POMONA: Stand 460 Harare Drive (0242)
851479-80 / 851034-35

SOUTHERTON: 124-126 Manchester Road (0242)
668456 / 668960

WESTGATE SHOPPING CENTRE: Post Office
Building (0242) 303181/ 332328/ 339108/9

BULAWAYO

BELMONT: 34 Plumtree Road, Belmont (0292)
68387/8

CITY CENTRE: 108 Fife Street, Cnr. Fife Street /
Eleventh Avenue (0292) 78515/74515/74195

CHINHOYI: 30 Magamba Way (067)
2127260/2125377

CHIREDZI: Stand 626 Inyati Road (0231)
2312939/2312941

GWERU: 48 Third Street (0542) 225994/95

KWEKWE: 12A Corner 2nd St. and 3rd Ave (055)
24551/52

MASVINGO: 27 Hellet Street (039) 262091/265147

MUTARE: 458A Corner R. Mugabe/Second
Street (0202) 67287/68219

VICTORIA FALLS: Stand 437 Miles Road,
Industrial Sites (0213) 2846016-8

88 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

Visit Us: 490 Goodwin Road, Willowvale, Harare
Call: 0242 611 311 / +263 8644142611
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.longdensteel.com

ISSUE 47 89

industrial profile

NEW DEVELOPMENTS Ngezi in the Mhondoro district is
FOR NGEZI MHONDORO one of the fastest growing towns
– Zimbabwe’s fastest in Zimbabwe. Development is
growing town supported by Zimplats Mining
and the Mhondoro-Ngezi Rural
text by Michael Nott | photos by Structure and Design | plans and renders by Studio 5 District Council. It’s one of the
few places in Zimbabwe where
90 STRUCTURE & DESIGN services like water and electricity
are generally reliable. According
to a report in the Sunday Mail
of 22 February 2022, “At a time
when most of the country’s
municipalities are reeling from a
combination of dwindling finances
and managerial incompetence,
Mhondoro-Ngezi Rural District
Council has emerged as the silver
lining to a dark cloud with their
model urban settlement that will
rank among the best development
projects ever undertaken … in the
Zimbabwean economy.” There are
low levels of unemployment and
there are good, affordable housing
options for the town’s population
of mine workers, civil servants,
NGO employees, shopkeepers
and general labourers.

8 Tiger Close, Borrowdale West| P.O Box BW 1744, Borrowdale, Harare
Tel: +263 242 852 223/4, 242 850 396 | Fax: +263 242 852 224
Cell: +263 772 839 990 | Email: [email protected]

Specialist in building construction and renovations

CONSTRUCTION OF
- O ce Blocks, Cluster Houses

- Warehouses & Schools

ISSUE 47 91

We re h ppy to be p rt of the Old Mutu l,
Mining Support Services project
m n ged by Alice Contr ctors.

32H Kenm rk Cresent,

Bluffhill Industri l P rk, H r re
0242 305662

www.fourw ys.co.zw

"Your Concrete Solution"

92 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

ISSUE 47 93

industrial profile
Property developer giant Old Mutual has
recognised the potential for growth in the
area and invested in the development of
a commercial and industrial site which will
eventually include 15 warehouse and factory
units. The development will create an
urban industrial park providing facilities for
manufacturing, processing and distribution
companies – as well as providing significant
employment opportunities for the community.
Other Old Mutual developments in the
area include a shopping mall and a regional
hospital. A new lodge has also recently
opened in the vicinity of the local suburb
of Turf Town for visiting business people. In
addition there’s been extensive development
in new housing options.
Local architectural firm Studio 5 has designed
a master plan for the industrial park and
have already completed the first unit. The
industrial park is situated on 15 hectares of land
opposite Wanganui High School. Development
includes the supply of road networks, water
and sewer reticulation and electricity and
internet connections. The first unit is 2,500
sq. metres and the next unit is expected to be
much larger at around 9,000 sq. metres. Each
unit will be individually designed to suit the
different occupiers’ needs. Studio 5 has also set
out to create a unique modernist architectural
language for future development in the area,
setting the bar for design very high.

94 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

667 Se e Road, a 5
ia a il Co le
Caledon, Hat ield, Harare
Cell: 0772 974 704, 0717 706 032, 0774 171 019
E ail: de le alu ail o

Visit: 667 Seke Ro d, B y 5, Di s & Is fil Complex We re Le ding Experts in:-
C ledon, H tfield, H r re Aluminium Windows, Sliding Doors, Shop Fronts, Office P rtitioning
Cell: 0772 974 704, 0717 706 032, 0774 171 019 Folding Doors, Shower Cubicles, Suspended Ceilings, Fl sh Gl zing,
Em il: deflex lum@gm il.com Steel Screens, Burgl r B rs, Ver nd h Screens nd Gl zing

ISSUE 47 95

industrial profile

The first unit is an office and factory/
warehouse for Mining Support
Services (MSS) for metal packaging and
fabrications. The project started in April
2020 and was completed in February
this year with some delays caused by
the pandemic shutdown. Studio 5 acted
as the lead consultants with Promanint
International as quantity surveyors,
Sandent Trading t/a Alice Contractors
as the main contractors and Arup as the
engineers.

96 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

SPEARTEC Making Buildings More Than Structures

electrical & mechanical
design & installations

Suite 10 3D Centre Telephone: +263 242 334961 / 336484 / 308254
Strathaven Shopping Complex E-mails: [email protected]
Avondale West admin@ speartecelectrical.co.zw
Harare, Zimbabwe Website: www.speartec.co.zw

The warehouse/factory space is approximately 2,000 sq. metres with roof sections which allow for natural air circulation. The floor is a
a single span roof so there are no internal supporting columns. The power float slab strong enough to accommodate fairly heavy machinery
roof is 6.4 metres high at the wall plate and extends to 11 high metres at and the walls are brick up to height off 3.5 metres above which is
the apex. The roof was installed by Grid Transmission. It’s Chromadek Chromadek cladding up to roof height. There are two roller shutter
with skylights and clad in Alububble for insulation and interestingly, doors and three sliding doors allowing access for larger vehicles for
although Ngezi is quite hot in summer, the architects have not included deliveries and loading. There’s a separate, secure internal storage space
whirlybirds for ventilation. Instead there are louvered panels in angled and a gantry crane for moving heavy equipment and goods.

ISSUE 47 97

industrial profile
But the project is much more than a simple
working space warehouse/factory. There’s
a two storey office section attached to the
front of the warehouse which has an imposing,
distinct and modern façade. The front of the
building incorporates extensive glazing, with
solar shield glass for temperature control, in
an asymmetrical design. On the left is a slatted
steel shutter to filter the interior light and
there’s a slatted portico framing the entrance.
On the right hand side, on the ground floor, are
long, narrow high windows providing natural
light for the changing rooms and ablutions.
One of the windows has an architrave in a
vivid orange colour which contrast with the
predominantly white and grey exterior. On the
first floor there’s a cantilevered balcony which
can be accessed from the boardroom and
one of the offices. There’s an emergency fire
exit steel staircase on the right hand side with
a slatted metal partition on the front and an
orange brick wall on the side.

98 STRUCTURE & DESIGN

Inside the ground floor has a reception and
waiting area, the change rooms, paraplegic
friendly ablutions, a large kitchen, an office
and a storeroom. A cast concrete staircase,
also clad in tiles, leads up to the first floor. On
the first floor is a generous boardroom, three
more private offices as well as a large open
plan office, a smaller kitchenette, ablutions
and a storeroom. The floors throughout are
pale ceramic tiles with suspended ceilings
above. The building is orientated on a north
east axis and the extensive glazing on the
façade means all the interior spaces get loads
of natural light.

Studio 5 Architects is a Zimbabwean
architectural company based on
five principles: 1. INCLUSIVITY 2.
SUSTAINABILITY 3. MODERNISM 4.
INNOVATION 5. INTEGRITY. Founded in
2015 Studio 5 offers a full turnkey service that
includes architecture, design feasibility, project
management, interior and landscape design
services. Their range of projects encompasses
commercial structures, restoration projects,
institutional buildings for schools and
universities, residential designs, industrial
buildings, health care facilities, churches and
interior designs. Just a few of their recent
clients include University of Zimbabwe,
Gwanda State University, MUAST (Marondera
University), NOIC (National Oil Infrastructure
Company of Zimbabwe) property giant Old
Mutual, Cell Insurance, Smartvest, Glow
Petroleum and NMBZ Holdings Limited.

Studio 5 is situated at 5 Chalfont Road,
Greencroft.
Email: [email protected]
or [email protected]
Call: 0783 934 290, 0719 690 587,
0772 807 122, 0242 332 987

MINING SUPPORT SERVICE (MSS) - NGEZI

Old Mutual Speartec Electrical Astra Paints
Studio 5 Architects Grid Transmittion Fourways Concrete
Arup Longden Steel Birthday Investments
Promaint Deflex Aluminium and Glass Pvt Ltd JR Goddard
Sandent Trading t/a Alice Contractors Alu-Men Shopfitters Private Limited M5 Plastics
Union Hardware Lafarge Winnerman
Electrosales Beta Bricks

ISSUE 47 99

100 STRUCTURE & DESIGN