SD Issue 12 Digital

51

MATERIAL FOCUS

Why Concrete Is 2018’s Next Big Thing
in Interior Design (and How to Try the Trend)

So far 2018 has brought us quite a few Concrete creates an industrial edge concept applications and, when compared
polarizing design trends. We’ve already to many of the rustic-finished woods that
talked about how to harness the power It almost goes without saying that concrete also fit this aesthetic, they’re an affordable
of bold colors, but now, it’s time to talk about and industrial design go hand in hand. You alternative.
a trend on the other end of the aesthetic don’t have to work hard to conjure images
spectrum. The concrete look is here and it’s of former industrial warehouses turned If concrete floors aren’t your thing, concrete
ready to bring a subtle yet sophisticated edge sun-drenched lofts or reclaimed bits of walls are also a great way to make a style
to your interiors. machinery that have been transformed into statement. However, you’ll probably want
chic accent pieces. to stick to a singular accent wall. In this
If you need some convincing, this article is for case, while one wall will probably add a bold
you. We’ve broken down why concrete works If you’re going to go this route, we suggest punch of texture and visual interest, multiple
so well and why it’s set to become a fixture in going big to really drive home your design walls run the risk of feeling too stark and
the design landscape. Read on and, before you inspiration. Concrete floors are a natural overwhelming.
know it, you’ll be ready to give concrete a shot. choice. They work particularly well in open

52 structure & design | ISSUE 12

It’s easy to maintain

More and more people are choosing to
incorporate concrete in their interiors
because it’s a particularly easy material
to maintain. In fact, the bulk of your work
takes place when you first purchase the
item. Whatever application you choose for
your concrete — whether it’s a fireplace,
countertop, or coffee table — it should be
properly stained, sealed and polished.

Be sure to ask the manufacturer how to
maintain your specific items. As a general
rule, simply sweeping away general debris
and washing it with a non-abrasive cleaner is
the way to go.

It adds texture It’s an instant focal point

We’ve talked before about how texture can help bring untold amounts Every room in your home needs a focal point. Since concrete
of visual interest to your space. Remember, in an interior design is such a heavy material to work with, when it’s used in design,
context, texture refers to the way an element looks like it feels. it lends a ton of visual weight to the room. This means it will
Everyone knows the feeling of running their hands over concrete, instantly draw the eye and ground the space. All told, these
so including one of these items in your design fosters an instant factors make concrete an excellent choice to become a focal
connection with the viewer. point in your home.

When you’re looking to highlight texture, the key is to create contrast. Take the picture above as an example. The fireplace has such
In particular, concrete does best when it’s juxtaposed against a commanding presence that your eye is pulled to it. If you’re
something natural, such as wood. You should also pay attention to the willing to go this bold, an architectural element definitely fits
colors in your concrete and be sure to choose contrasting shades for the bill. It’s also possible to go more subtle. A concrete island
the rest of the room. instantly becomes a conversation piece in your kitchen and a
coffee table easily grounds a seating area.

53

MATERIAL FOCUS

Concrete is a bit different than
some of this year’s other design
trends. While others are focused
on bold patterns and bright,
in-your-face colors, concrete is
subtler. That said, we understand
some people may need convincing.
To that end, this post is dedicated
to how concrete can ultimately
benefit a room. Read it over and
we’re sure you’ll be ready to give
this once-commercial material a
place of honor in your home.
What do you think of the concrete
interior design trend? Will you
be trying it out in your own home
anytime soon? Let us know your
thoughts.

54 structure & design | ISSUE 12

55

s9tr5u8c6tures&trudcetusrigen& design | ISSUE 182

NEW TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN By Sharon Waterworth
AN ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE AREA [email protected]

The accommodation will be under large shady Mahogany trees. View of the Zambezi River in Mana pools with Zambia in the background

Staff accommodation will be screened off from the main camp area by a General camp area taken from southern side looking towards the Zambezi.
grove of Croton shrubs. Vetiveria grass in the foreground.

ANEW LUXURY, semi-permanent - Public consultation process has a unique combination of scenic beauty,
tented safari camp is being - Study findings vegetation/habitat types and excellent game
planned by African Bush - Recommendations made viewing. It is also unique in that people are
Camps in the iconic and unique Mana - The benefits of Environmental Impact permitted to walk freely on the flood plain
Pools National Park in north Zimbabwe. Assessments and river banks enabling close encounters
. The park is located within an area of with the wild animals and great photographic
conservation importance and is protected The project clearly demonstrates just how opportunities.
through national legislation and several important EIA’s are. The EIA for African
international conventions. Under the Bush Camps improved the project siting, It is a Trans-frontier Conservation Area, has
Environmental Management Act and the ensured an informed decision-making UNESCO World Heritage Status and part
accompanying Environmental Impact process that led to more environmentally of Man and the Biosphere Programme. It
Assessment and Ecosystems Protection sensitive decisions, increased accountability is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area
Regulations the project must have a and transparency during the development and an international RAMSAR wetland site.
full Environmental Impact Assessment process, improved the integration of the Therefore, in such a highly sensitive and
(EIA) undertaken. African Bush Camps project into its environmental and social important ecological area the developer,
commissioned Black Crystal Consulting to setting and reduced environmental damage. Ledgeback Safaris, working in collaboration
undertake the EIA. The proposed project made a positive with Parks and Wildlife Management
contribution towards achieving green Authority (ZPWMA), was required under the
The article describes how the EIA process tourism. Environmental Management Act to undertake
was undertaken and how the findings of the   a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
study influenced the project design. for the proposed project.
New Tourism Development in an
- New green tourism accommodation Ecologically Sensitive Area Ledgeback Safaris operating as African Bush
in Mana Pools Camps (www.africanbushcamps.com) are a
- Project description The new safari camp is being constructed small and independently owned Zimbabwean-
- Site designations in Mana Pools National Park. The park is a based safari company founded by one of
- Site location protected area within the Zambezi Valley with Africa’s top safari guides and current CEO, Mr
- Project team a backdrop of the Zambezi Escarpment, the Beks Ndlovu. The company and camps are
- Work undertaken Zambezi River, and open vistas of the river licensed and registered with the ZPWMA and
floodplain coupled with abundant wildlife. It

57

NEW DEVELOPMENT

the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority. They achieved a ‘Green Tourism Gold environmental factors are considered in the decision-making process.
Award’ and won the ‘We Are Africa Innovation Awards’ in 2016. They The Zambezi River is the focal point for most tourists to Mana Pools
run several Safari camps in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The but the long term impacts of developments on the river have to
Zimbabwean camps are located in Hwange National Park, Kariba and be weighed against the loss of aesthetic wilderness appeal and
Mana Pools National Park. The new proposed camp at Mana pools will environmental constraints.
form part of the company’s safari package aimed at international and
regional clients. Their aim is to provide their guests with an authentic The proposed development will consist of an upmarket 24 bed semi-
African bush experience combining wildlife encounters, under the care permanent safari camp. The layout plan is a series of safari style khaki
of trained professional guides, with well appointed, comfortable safari coloured 2 bed tents with en suite ablutions on raised, sustainably
camps. harvested exotic wooden decks. The tents will be positioned under
shady trees, each with a view of the river and with individual privacy.
African Bush Camps commissioned Black Crystal Consulting, one Lounge/dining and entertainment areas will also be on wooden
of Zimbabwe’s leading reputable companies offering a quality decking to facilitate views of the river and allow the movement of
service in environmental, socio-economic and cultural heritage smaller animals underneath the rooms. The kitchen, storeroom,
consultancy services to undertake the EIA. Their company vision workshop and staff accommodation will be of prefabricated structures
is to ensure that their clients, with their assistance, manage the (to limit the use of cement where possible), and set back and out of
environment beyond today to ensure that biodiversity is maintained sight from the river (to reduce visual impact). The camp will not have
and that natural resources are not depleted for the next a perimeter fence and wildlife will be free to move through the area,
generation.  All their team members have a personal commitment although staff quarters and solar farm will be protected by an electric
to the principles of sustainable development and are committed to fence. There will be licensed professional guides present to protect
the improvement of the environment. guests and staff.

The role of an EIA is to provide guidance to the proponent (developer) Currently, there is no infrastructural development at the site. The site
and regulatory authorities so that the project is undertaken in a is accessed via a dirt track from ZPWMA head quarters at Nyamepi,
responsible manner. Impact assessments ensure that possible which makes for a dusty trip in the dry season and a muddy one in
adverse environmental and social impacts are identified and avoided the wet season. African Bush Camps, working closely with ZPWMA will
or minimised. As a key influence in the decision making process an have to install the necessary services including a jetty from which to
EIA is not to stop development or propose every possible mitigation launch boats during the rainy season.
or compensatory measure, but, by using high quality evidence make
balanced judgements as to what is warranted and thus ensuring In line with their environmental policy African Bush Camps have >

Proposed Mahogany Site Plan

58 structure & design | ISSUE 12

Solar panels purposefully chosen environmentally
Tent friendlier infrastructure such as drawing
water from the Zambezi River using solar
Biorock power and observing a strict water budget
instead of using pumps powered by a noisy
diesel generator. Rather than installing
septic tanks and traditional soakaways, the
effluent from the septic tanks will be treated
through an approved biological digester
system (BioRock) before being released
into a small natural wetland near the camp
which will encourage wildlife and birds. The
bio-digester units work without any electrical
or mechanical aerators – they simply require
natural air draft for aeration. The camp will
be 100% solar powered utilizing a solar farm
generating 60KW of power with sufficient
battery back up to power the camp for 2-3
days during overcast weather. The panels will
be hidden from view. Cooking in the main
kitchens and staff quarters will be on gas
stoves and hot water will be solar powered
with the use of heat reclaim through the solar
powered air conditioning systems.

During their site visits the Black Crystal team
assessed the floral and faunal sensitivity
of species within of the area of influence,
with an emphasis on direct impacts from
the proposed construction activities and
later operational activities. The current state
of the identified habitats was determined
based on levels of transformation, alien
species presence, faunal (wildlife) and floral
(vegetation) species diversity and species
of importance. Water and soil samples were
collected for analysis from various locations
around the proposed site. A Cultural
Heritage assessment was undertaken of
the Tangible (physical remains), Intangible
Cultural Heritage (places valued by people)
and Palaeontological (fossils) remains. The
survey revealed an archaeological site of
academic interest: a Historical Farming
Community Site so a separate archaeology
report was submitted to the National
Museums and Monuments for their records
and approval.

Black Crystal held consultations with the
public and a wide range of stakeholders
including the Mana Pools Area Manager,
some of the other tour operators in the park,
government authorities, various professional
associations and several international,
regional and national conservation NGOs.

The EIA report concluded that the project had
many advantages, including being a potential
source of revenue for the Park, providing much
needed employment and raising the profile of
Zimbabwe’s tourism within the region. African
Bush Camps are a well-known and reputable
safari operator with a proven record of >

59

commitment to ‘green tourism’ and an active NEW DEVELOPMENT acceptable projects and the exploration of
corporate social responsibility programme alternatives that can help identify cost-saving
through the African Bush Camps Foundation. The conclusion of the second EIA (addendum and other beneficial changes.
to the first) was that the alternative site
The impact analysis indicated that most of the addressed all the concerns raised in the The EIA for African Bush Camps improved
negative impacts could be mitigated against original EIA and therefore was the preferred the project siting, ensured an informed
and there are opportunities for enhancing the location. The subsequent field visit showed decision-making process that led to more
positive impacts. no evidence of cultural heritage and that environmentally sensitive decisions,
the camp would have low visual impact and increased accountability and transparency
However, the choice of the original allocated unlikely to be visible from the Zambian side during the development process, improved
site for the project raised ecological and or from other camps. The new location also the integration of the project into its
social concerns which needed to be ensured that tourists had access to the environmental and social setting and reduced
considered carefully before the lease original site and to Mana Mouth. environmental damage.
agreement was concluded. The EIA report
recommended that other sites be considered African Bush Camps were successfully granted Black Crystal lived up to their reputation and
and evaluated for the camp before making an EIA certificate for an alternative site called provided innovative and sustainable solutions
the final decision. Both African Bush Mahogany Camp and it is expected that the for environmental management and assisted
Camps and ZPWMA took cognisance of the facility will be open for business later this year. African Bush Camps in the wise use of natural
EIA and ZPWMA consequently offered an resources and how to manage environmental,
alternative site to African Bush Camps. Black The proposed development clearly archaeological resources and social risks.
Crystal was commissioned to undertake an demonstrates just how important an
ecological and archaeological assessment of EIA is by allowing people to examine the Overall, the proposed project made a positive
the alternative site. underlying need for a project, giving people contribution towards achieving green tourism.
the opportunity to identify problems, helping
developers to design a more publicly

cTHoElour

PEOPLE

Contact
WILLIAM SMITH & GOUROCK

1544 Soutte Road New Ardbennie Harare
Tel: 667621-7,66160, Fax 667629
Email : [email protected]
077 5 632 746, 077 7 275 397
071 2 722 310, 077 4 540 937
11 Falcon st Bulawayo ,Tel 09465642/3,
Email [email protected], 077 7 153 587, 071 5 764 561

60 structure & design | ISSUE 12

CITYPIN APP

Developed by Kurbkings. We specialize in creative solutions for everyday problems

Citypin…………………………Citypride

WHAT IS CITYPIN? Ideas for why companies should advertise

CityPin is an app developed by Kurb Kings BENEFITS
CityPin: Allows citizens to post/pin notice of a wide range of
issues affecting them e.g. potholes, non-working traffic lights, This is low cost and low impact. This is a global app so the
accidents, power cuts, burst water and sewage pipes, non- advertising reach for companies is immense; the app is free
collected rubbish etc. The pins appear on a map that can be to download. Companies and government get accurate and
see by everyone including the related government departments. informative feedback on the issues that they have the tools to
solve.
Thus the app reconnects people by using the power of mobile
technology to allow concerned citizens to make each other Infrastructure and technology companies can use the data and
aware of issues and problems in the place they are living, target areas that they may be suited to solve/deal with.
working and cultivating. More importantly it allows interested
stakeholders to get up to date relevant information, in a cost Any android phone and computer can be used to monitor new pins.
effective manner.
PUBLIC IMAGE AND MARKETING.
HOW IT WORKS
Through an aggressive marketing campaign citizens will be
Citizens download the app free. When citizens find an issue made aware of the platform and its uses. They will be able to
they launch the app. Then select from a variety of pins. The download CityPin from the android store (IOS coming soon) and
submit the relevant pin(s) and those pins appear automatically pin issues affecting their community. Citizens will have peace of
on a map either using their phones geolocation software or at mind knowing government and private sector are aware of their
an address that they enter. concerns. Instead of dealing with disgruntled and frustrated
citizens, instead of either party spending a lot of money on
Current Pins are as follows: telephone bills the public and private sector will now have a
• No Electricity/Power platform they can both use to share information.
• No Water
• Fallen/Faulty Powerline The long term benefits will be immense for government.
• Faulty Street lights Citizens want an outlet and government wants to solve these
• Burst Water Pipes/ Leakage issues. CityPin is the perfect bridge.
• Fire
• Hazard OUR OBJECTIVES
• Burst Sewage
• Abandoned: (vehicle, building, furniture) Kurb Kings aims Is to develop long lasting solutions that can
• Faulty Traffic lights Accident help interested stakeholders. CityPin is that first step. We will
• Dangerous Potholes be continuously making changes and upgrades to the app. We
• Uncollected Rubbish also hope to come upon with long term solutions in conjunction
• Traffic Congestion with the app.

61

WEIGHING EQUIPMENT SERVICE, REPAIR AND SUPPLY

www.nicolasscale.co.zw
0242-485681 / 0772216643 Email: [email protected]
ACCURACY - QUALITY - VARIETY - EXPERTISE

Why Scales Are a Crucial Part
of the Construction Industry

THE construction industry has one
of the most dynamic operational
environments. Therefore, the use
of industry appropriate systems and tools
are especially important, as they directly
affect the output and profitability of the
organization. Among the multiple systems
used at construction sites, the measurement
and weighing systems are the most crucial
aspect during operations. The following are
the most popularly used weighing systems
used by the construction industry:

Onboard Truck Scales

Once configured accordingly, these scales are of terrain. They can also be customized to Rail Scales
compatible with any loading system. They’re suit the nature of activities carried out and
designed to handle various weights and meet all related requirements. There are essentially two types of rail
material types in varied weather conditions. scales; static scales and in-motion scales.
They are used to read precise measurements, Load Volume Scanners As the names suggest, the static rail scales
allowing you to ensure that the trucks are are immobile and are commonly used to
carrying the correct load for greater efficiency. These scales are designed to maximize measure the weight of stationary train
the overall haulage of assets. Such scales cars. Whereas the in-motion scales can
Portable Truck Scales use a laser technology to precisely scan be moved along the rails and measure the
building materials to generate accurate loads of moving train cars, they’re usually
Also known as wheel weighers, portable measurements of the weight that can be equipped with smart software that ensures
truck scales are extremely mobile and carried by a specific truck, all in real-time. accuracy.
sturdy, making them easy to use in any type

62 structure & design | ISSUE 12

Considering the nature of the application of
these scales in the construction industry, it
becomes even more important to ensure their
presence on-site. Take a look at some of the
advantages of using truck scales to optimize
construction operations as well as the waste
disposal efforts, as follows:

Increase Credibility

Truck scales allow you to measure and monitor
the amount of incoming raw materials, the
exact output and the overall wastage. This
allows you to precisely calculate everything
from the amount of resources required for the
next order, to the weight of the trucks, thereby
allowing you to foresee the amount of taxes and
waste disposal fees that may be levied. After
all, precision in terms of operations and data
recording establishes credibility, not only in the
project but in your organization as a whole.

Enhance Efficiency Save Time and Money amount of taxes that will be levied. This
type of accuracy in measurements also lets
Being able to avail precise measurement of You can save time having a weighing system you use all your resources to their greatest
the resources required, the quantity used as in place, by avoiding unnecessary trips to capacities.
well as the wastage, allows you to carefully local weighing stations in order to ensure
analyze every aspect of operations. This that your trucks are in compliance with Truck Scales at Your Construction Site
will highlight the key result areas, areas of state and road laws. This also has a cost
improvement and those needing further advantage, as it can tell you exactly how Truck scales are designed to adapt to any
monitoring. This also allows you to control much you will be able to load onto a truck kind of environment, they can also be
the scale of operations by giving you an for any type of route, removing the need customized in case of extreme environments.
insight in the amount of raw materials used, for estimation through guesswork. This will They’re designed to be extremely durable and
allowing you to place future orders on the also allow you to precisely calculate the handle weights of any type of configuration.
same basis.

SUPPLIERS OF HEAVY DUTY WEIGHBRIDGES

www.nicolasscale.co.zw

0242-485681 / 0772216643 Email: [email protected]
ACCURACY - QUALITY - VARIETY - EXPERTISE

63

ZIM CONSTRUCTION COUNCILS

Expansion Of Hwange Power Station

by Peter Banda

The Chinese Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) will extend a drawing down $199 million from Exim Bank this April,” Chirikutsi said.
loan facility of almost US$1billion to the Zimbabwe Power
Company (ZPC) this year for the expansion of Hwange ZESA recently commissioned the expansion of Kariba hydro-power
Power Station. The scope of the project will involve construction of two Station project which is now generating an additional 300 megawatts
additional thermal units at the plant. of power from 750 megawatts. Sino-hydro also constructed the Kariba
hydro plant at a cost of US$533 million. Kariba is now producing
Zimbabwe’s Hwange Power Station plant currently generates and 1,050 megawatts from 750 megawatts.
supplies about 920 megawatts to the national grid from 6 units. In a
recent press statement, Acting Managing Director Joshua Chirikutsi Completion of the Kariba and Hwange Power projects will save the
said upon completion, the US$1billion project will see units 7 & 8 country over $70 million annually in power imports. Zimbabwe State
adding 600 megawatts to become Zimbabwe’s biggest power plant. President Emmerson Mnangagwa was recently in China during the
Chinese company Sino-Hyrdo will manage construction of the plant. first week of April 2018 on a state visit where he clinched several
investment deals for the country worth over US$4billion including the
ZPC, a unit of power utility Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority Hwange Power project.
(ZESA) and Sino-hydro Corp. will own 64 percent and 36 percent
respectively of the proposed Hwange units. The two will provide Project Management Zimbabwe (PMZ – Project Management Institute
counterpart funding for the project and construction is scheduled to of Zimbabwe) is Zimbabwe’s largest Association of Project Managers,
take 45 months. Zimbabwe’s consumption of power at peak at the with a membership base of over 1000. The institute has a mandate
moment is about 2,200-megawatt but ZESA can only generate 70% of of policing the elevation of project management standards nationally
that while the deficit of electricity requirements is met through imports through mentorship and membership services programmes. For
from neighbouring countries. At peak demand, the nation imports information, visit www.pmiz.org.zw or email: [email protected]
about 350 megawatts a month. The existing 6 units at Hwange have
fallen into disrepair. “The project will now commence and we will be Source: Project Management Zimbabwe

64 structure & design | ISSUE 12

EARTHMOVING
LAND CLEARING

TRENCHING

Small Enough To Listen. Big Enough To Deliver.

+263S7m7 4a3l1l68E9n5oug+h26T3 o77L70is4t5e2n6.7 Big+2E63n7o7u5g32h4T56o8 Delpiavbelor@. espn.co.zw [email protected] www.espn.co.zw

+263 77 431 6895 +263 77 704 5267 +263 77 532 4568 [email protected] [email protected] www.espn.co.zw 65

66 structure & design | ISSUE 12

80 HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE 67

68 structure & design | ISSUE 12