SD Issue 16 Digital

ISSUE 16 | 2018

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2 structure & design | ISSUE 16

PUBLISHER sixTEENTH ISSUE

Structure And Design Media CONTENT

MARKETING SPACE OF THE MONTH
08 | Bitumen World Gives Back
Clive Mapfumo MAIN PROFILE
Newton Musara 18 | New Office Block in Belgravia
Simbarashe Zvidza LANDSCAPE DESIGN
+263 779 141 137 34 | The Annual Garden Show 2018
+263 772 233 086 INTERIOR DESIGN
+263 8644 224 569/70 42 | 360o Partnership with Plascon
COMMERCIAL PROFILE
DESIGN & LAYOUT 47 | PSMAS Renovations
INDUSTRIAL PROFILE
Tami Zizhou 54 | ABC Auctions
Tichakunda Majena DRIVE DESIGN
59 | Fawcett on the Road
CONTRIBUTORS
3
Michael Nott
Tariro Ndoro

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ronald Mazhindu
Structure & Design

SUBSCRIPTIONS

+263 8644 224 570

EMAIL

[email protected]
[email protected]

WEBSITE

www.structureanddesign.co.zw

FIND US AT

31 Alexander Rd, Highlands, Harare

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy
of its content, neither editor nor publisher can be held
responsible for any omissions or errors: or for an y

misfortune, injury , or damages which may arise there-from.
All rights reserved. Cop

Structure and Design M agazine:
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photocopying or recording.

4 structure & design | ISSUE 16

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Structure & Design Team

[email protected]

S&D PARTNERSS&D PARTNERS

PUBLISHER’S MEMO

As Zimbabwe’s construction industry citizens also chipped in by donating plants and This year’s annual Garden Show was an
continues to expand, it is easy to get other decorative accessories. Indeed, we are proud opportunity for gardeners, nursery owners and
bogged down in the everyday concerns to feature this article in our magazine. PAGE 8 landscapers to exhibit their wares and give guests
of site plans, quantities, cement shortages, and a bit of advice on gardening and landscaping.
project deadlines but it is always useful to take Whilst many companies are moving out of Harare’s PAGE 34
a step back, regroup and cast vision. As such, central business district and into old residential
our 16th Issue looks at different ways in which homes in nearby suburbs, the new trend is to Plascon Zimbabwe (formerly Astra Paints) rolled
construction practitioners are paying it forward build office parks in Harare’s suburbs. Imara out their new 360° Partnership Pledge at their
and making life easier for people. and Minerva have partnered up to invest in the recent Trend Talk. This initiative is all about helping
Wellpage Office Complex, a three storey building project managers to make the best of Plascon’s
Bitumen World’s new roundabout along Harare that is located at the corner of Sam Nujoma and paint products and use the most appropriate
Drive is our space of the month. Not only is the Maarsdorp Avenue in Belgravia and boasts 3900 products for each project build. PAGE 42
roundabout an example of high craftsmanship, square metres of office space. PAGE 18
but its construction also shows what can be All structure and design content and much
accomplished when responsible citizens take PSMAS have also refurbished their headquarters, more is available online at...issuu.com/
ownership of their city. When the nation’s roads transforming the premises in George Silundika structuredesign or SDMagzim
were declared a national disaster, Hararians Avenue into a one-stop service centre designed to
petitioned for something to be done about the old be more efficient. Additions to their offices include Head there now to use our extensive resource of
T-junction as it had a high accident rate. Bitumen a 24-hour call centre, which will be in operation top local projects and products.
World outdid themselves by constructing a traffic later this year, and a wellness corner to cater for
circle that residents can be proud of. Well-wishing clients with chronic illnesses. PAGE 47

Structure & Design Team

[email protected]

S&D PARTNERS

6 structure & design | ISSUE 16

7

BITUMEN
WORLD

GIVES BACK TO THE CITY

Text by Michael Nott
Photos by Ronald Mazhindu
Renderings, Plans and Additional Photos courtesy of Bitumen World
8 structure & design | ISSUE 16

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SPACEOF THE MONTH

ZIMBABWE’s road network was declared a national disaster
back in 2017 with an estimated 80% of our roads in urgent
need of repair or resurfacing. As part of the government’s
programme to restore Harare’s ageing road infrastructure
Bitumen World was engaged to rehabilitate Harare Drive from the
intersection with Drew Road up to the intersection with Borrowdale
Road. This section was in a particularly bad state of disrepair with
plenty of potholes and in addition the road was very narrow with
severe drop offs on either side. It’s a particularly busy section of road
used by residents of the northern and eastern suburbs and it’s also
the main route for heavy vehicles travelling from the industrial area of
Msasa to Borrowdale, Pomona and the western suburbs.

The 4,3km section of the road was strengthened, widened from 6
metres (in some areas less) to 10 metres, and surfaced with asphalt.
Particular attention paid to adequate rainwater runoff making the
road safer and more durable. Bitumen World has a dedicated road
marking crew which painted the white centre line and the yellow edge
lines. In addition they have supplied reflective cat’s eyes in the centre
of the road and on the verges. The lines and the cat’s eyes help to
make driving at night much safer, especially where street lights are
inadequate or not working at all.

Of particular concern for residents and road users along this stretch blackspot with frequent serious accidents often involving late night
of road was the four way intersection where Rolfe Avenue and Gaydon revellers returning from the Borrowdale nightspots.
Road meet Harare Drive. Rolfe Avenue and Gaydon Road both had
stop signs allowing traffic on Harare Drive to pass through unimpeded Mike Garden (editor of Ndeipi magazine and founder/director of
while causing long backups on Rolfe and Gaydon especially during the website Bambazonke Nhasi) started the public debate back in
peak traffic hours. During the morning and evening rush hours 2012 to try to petition City of Harare to install a roundabout at the
motorists could wait 15 minutes or more to enter or cross over Harare intersection. Readers of Bambazonke wrote in to the City of Harare
Drive. Lunch time traffic from the nearby St John’s College was also requesting that something should be done to alleviate the situation
very congested. Newspaper vendors added to the chaos as motorists and eventually the flood of requests from the community was
stopped to buy the daily papers. The intersection was a traffic

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HARARE DRIVE RECONSTRUCTION - C 119

Gaydon & Rolf islands:
9,140

9,500
Area = 0.5 x 9.14 x 9.50

= 43.42m²

Harare Drive islands:
13,720

12,350
Area = 0.5 x 13.72 x 12.35

= 84.72m²

GEE BLOCK AREA = 4,306m² - π x 20.0² - 2 x (43.42 + 84.72) = 2,793.1m² CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY
QA-P-PR-4-46 Rev: 0
ROUNDABOUT: GEE BLOCK AREA Date: 17/07/2018

recognized. When the ERRP (Emergency Road Repair Programme)
initiated the rehabilitation of that section of Harare Drive, a
roundabout was considered and then finally approved earlier this year.

Bitumen World seized the opportunity to create a functional, safe and
attractive roundabout that far exceeded the mandate from City of
Harare and ZINARA. Andre Zietsman, MD of Bitumen World, conceived
of a roundabout that would not only help to solve the problem of the
traffic flow, it would also be a showpiece to illustrate the best of what >

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SPACEOF THE MONTH

Harare residents could aspire to for their the project, which became something of a of storm drains have been constructed and
City. Inspired in part by the North Beach pier labour of love. lined with granite, and stone retaining walls
in Durban near the Ushaka Marine World, maintain the integrity of the surrounding
Zietsman came up with the idea to create The roundabout is raised in the centre to site preventing erosion and soil slippage.
something of value and beauty for residents. shield drivers from the lights of oncoming The drains on the central section have been
Tim Johnson from Bitumen World came up traffic. Tonnes of soil were brought clad with stone specially brought in from
with the final technical design and Chris in to create the raised section and to Hwange.
Seager, Operations Manager of Bitumen accommodate the steep slope of the site.
World, helped to see the project through Storm drains have been constructed to The road surface surrounding the roundabout
to completion. Quinton Riddle and Bigboy divert rainwater away from the centre and is made up of around 600,000 interlocking
Sibindi were on site for weeks to oversee from the four quadrants. Altogether 340m pavers or G blocks which are set on a bed of

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250mm cement stabilised gravel with a 150mm ironstone sub-base, D blocks, as the name implies, are D shaped interlocking concrete
meaning that the road surface is extremely durable and long lasting. blocks which are filled with soil and will be planted with succulents and
other waterwise plants. Bitumen World has even installed water storage
D blocks were used to make the retaining walls on the central section. tanks and an irrigation system for the maintenance of the plants.

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SPACEOF THE MONTH
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To further enhance the attractiveness of the site Bitumen World
has brought in over 200 indigenous fever trees supplied by a donor
from Beitbridge. The trees are very hardy and quick growing so when
established the effect will be of a small natural forest. Terri Parham
from Alfresco Landscaping is supplying mondo grass and succulents
which are low maintenance.

But perhaps the most attractive feature is the twelve huge elephant
tusks which were inspired by the Durban pier. The tusks are steel and
fibreglass manufactured by Premier Products – fibreglass specialists
from Bulawayo. Each of the 12 tusks has a blue LED light attached
which shines down onto the centre and there are an additional twelve
blue LEDS which shine upward to illuminate the centre retaining wall.
The solar lights were donated by Lighting World who also supplied four
solar powered amber traffic warning lights, one on each approach to
the roundabout. All of the extra additional decorative elements and
the landscaping that make the roundabout so special were donated
by Bitumen World to the residents of Harare.

Bitumen World was incorporated in Bulawayo in July 2012 with
the aim of providing public and private sector clients with quality,
cost effective, safe and environmentally sound specialist blacktop
surfacing solutions. Although a relatively new company the Directors
and Management, together, have in excess of 150 years experience in
the construction industry of which 120 years is in the blacktop field.

Bitumen World has developed the largest road reconstruction capacity
in Zimbabwe in the form of three Bomag reclaimers and all the auxiliary
compaction equipment required to achieve the cement stabilised
monolithic base layers now favoured in road reconstruction contracts.

Backing up the reclaimer teams are four bitumen sprayers with the
attendant chip spreading capacity, an 80 tonne/hr asphalt plant and
two asphalt pavers. The haulage fleet consists of 32 tipper trucks and
6 double trailer side tippers suitable for long haulage.

Having been certified by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe as being
ISO9001 compliant in 2017, Bitumen World has earned a reputation in the
marketplace for quality work, completed safely, on time and within budget.

Undoubtedly Bitumen World is well positioned to fulfil the 100 day
programme set by the His Excellency, President E.D Mnangagwa and
the Honourable Minister of Transport, Mr. J. Matiza.

Other recent projects successfully completed by Bitumen World include:

• West Road Rehabilitation (Harare)
• Chinhoyi Road Rehabilitation
• Zvishavane Road Upgrading
• Bindura to Muchapondwa Road Rehabilitation
• Mbare Urban Road
• Highfield Roads rehabilitation and Mababasa Growth
Point Access Road
• Bulawayo City Roads

Future proposed projects include a similar, though larger, roundabout on
Gleneagles Road near the new Aspindale Park and the reconstruction of
Harare Drive between Lomagundi and Kirkman Roads.

Bitumen World attributes the success of this, and all their projects,
to the dedication and hard work of their whole team. Let’s hope their
gift to the City of this outstanding project inspires other companies
and individuals to contribute towards turning Harare into a world class
destination and a better place to live for all.

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MAIN PROFILE
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WELLPAGE

OFFICE PARK IN BELGRAVIA

Text by Michael Nott | Photos by S&D
Plans and Renderings by DesignPro Architects

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MAIN PROFILE

More and more businesses are choosing to move out of The old house on the corner of Maasdorp and Second Street had
the congested Central Business District (CBD) of Harare. been neglected and had fallen into disrepair and it had few redeeming
The City’s zoning laws have been revised allowing features or historic value. The developers realised that this site had the
commercial enterprises into the surrounding suburbs potential to become a prime office venue with street frontage facing
like Eastlea, Milton Park, Kensington and Belgravia. Many companies onto Second Street and convenient access to Belgravia Shopping
relocate to older residential buildings in these areas, although often Centre. DesignPro Architects were engaged as the project Architects
the house-to-office conversion is not ideal. Houses are obviously not and Project Managers on this development opportunity of approximately
designed to be offices and sadly many conversions destroy any of the 3000 square metres. The architects exceeded the clients’ brief and
intrinsic historic value of older homes. For developers this is an ideal managed to create around 3,900 sq m of GLA (Gross Leasable Area)
opportunity to invest in a more rational use of available, and highly in a three storey structure and still include adequate on site parking.
sought after, property. The L shaped building is set back towards the northern and eastern
boundaries of the plot with the open parking space in the front.

Investment giants, Imara and Minerva, have teamed up to develop a The building is intentionally very different from the other older
new Office Block in Belgravia on the corner of Maasdorp Avenue and houses around it, mostly single and double storey colonial style
Second Street Extension (Sam Nujoma Street) owned by Wellpage houses from the early part of the 1900s. The design, which stands
Investments. Most of the older houses along Maasdorp Avenue out from its neighbours, is deliberately intended to drive change
are already being used as offices, retail centres, restaurants and in the area. There’s already been a number of new, modern office
coffee shops – and of course there’s the Maasdorp Market held blocks built in the area, particularly along nearby Natal Road, and
twice weekly on the grounds of an old double storey house. Most there’s the Kwikstop Complex a little further along Second Street on
of the houses along this section of Second Street have also been the corner of College Road. So it seems inevitable that the face of
converted for commercial use. the City and land usage in the neighbourhood will change rapidly.

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The outside units are available in two sizes – 3 x 6 metres and 3 x enough to store a car or a boat if you’re planning to be away for a
8 metres. If you’re down-sizing these are great for storing personal while. They’re also ideal for small business operators like plumbers
possessions like furniture and other household goods. Storagemart or landscape gardeners to store materials and tools safely. The
even have a delivery truck so they can collect goods from clients’ driveways are wide enough to allow easy access for vehicles. They
homes, offering convenience and safe transport. The units are have roller shutter doors specially supplied by South African firm
completely waterproof and safe from rodent damage. They are large Seranda, which are of the highest security rating.

Kalamain Construction set off the project with fortress foundation basics from Pomona Quarries, reinforcement steel from BSI
Steel and cemented the concrete with PPC.

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22 structure & design

Alpes Road,Pomona,Harare, P.O. Box BW 1062, Borrowdale, Harare, Telephone Nos: 04 882101 / 882685, Email: [email protected].

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MAIN PROFILE
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The main facade – the south facing aspect of the structure facing
onto Maasdorp – is almost minimalist. It’s mostly double laminated
glass 13mm glass chosen specifically to help block out the traffic
noise from Second Street. In addition the glass is lightly tinted to
help control heat and light from the south facing aspect. The glass is
set into aluminium frames to create large panels or panes, and the
panels are further set into concrete frames, all pleasingly geometric
and symmetrical. There are few decorative flourishes and the overall
impression is simple, slick and clean. The central section has a slight
overhang above the ground floor windows which serves in part to
reduce direct summer sun. The ground floor section in the middle is
dark grey plaster while above – extending over the second and third
storeys – is a box like frame of white Hulabond aluminium panels.
On either side of the central section there are six concrete frames for
the windows with a pale grey, almost white, textured wall finish. From
these square frames extending outward on either side are sections
almost entirely of glass, only broken by the visible floor slabs. On the
extreme west end there’s a plain dark grey box structure housing
utilities like a substation and a generator.

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MAIN PROFILE

The north elevation, which is not visible from shorter and is made up of a similar The building is particularly attractive when lit
the street, has deep recessed windows to concrete and glass section of six white up at night. The structural concrete frames
control the direct sunlight. frames and ends in a glass box the same almost disappear and the building glows like
as the longer section. It’s almost like the a faceted glass crystal.
The other leg of the L shape is considerably longer leg cut in half.

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MAIN PROFILE
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MAIN PROFILE

The roof of the building is a combination of there are two internal fire escape stairways from the wet areas which are tiled – and
concrete slab sections and a Chromadek which have been properly housed to ensure the ceilings are matt finish aluminium
pitched section with skylights which fills safety. The office space is largely open plan, panels with LED lighting. Provision has
the interior with natural light. The first and allowing tenants to configure the space as been made for solar water heaters to be
second floors can be accessed either by they need with demountable portioning. installed with all the necessary conduiting
lifts or internal staircases and in addition Floors throughout are carpeted – apart in place.

The buildings internal temperature is regulated by the careful of heat sink with the concrete paving blocks absorbing heat during
placing and screening of the windows and the thermal mass of the the day and letting off heat at night. The blocks are more pervious
concrete structure keeps it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. than tarmac allowing some of the rain water to seep back into the
The large parking area in front of the building also acts as a kind ground and in addition there’s a scupper drain that >

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runs along the middle of the parking space Mahachi, Gwaze and Partners acting as the programme, bulk procurement and advance
of this nature – with Zimbabwe Nantong Quantity Surveyors. Costs and time were payment which helped to cushion price
International being the main contractor and kept down through a strict implementation increases.

THE RECENT OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE BUILDING WHERE THE CLIENT, PROJECT MANAGERS AND INVESTORS WERE PRESENT

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LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Annual Garden Show 2018

Text by Michael Nott | Photos by S&D
34 structure & design | ISSUE 16

The Annual Garden show is a delight for every
keen gardener whatever type of gardening
you’re into. Whether you prefer formal gardens,
indigenous water wise gardens, growing your
own fruit and vegetables, or just have a few
pots on your balcony, the Annual Garden Show
offers inspiration and excellent professional
advice. This year’s Garden Show was the
biggest and best so far with more than 100
exhibitors showing off their products and
services, as well as an enormous variety of
plants and gardening equipment on sale.

Even if gardening’s not a major passion in your
life the event is a great day out for all the family.
You could take a slow, gentle stroll through the
exhibition, listen to talks and demonstrations by
the experts, check out the lifestyle exhibits with
great presentations of outdoor furniture and
decor, quirky floral displays designed around
the theme of “Through the Looking Glass”, and
a section devoted to the kiddies’ entertainment
and recreation.

35

For serious gardeners there were commercial LANDSCAPE DESIGN home or commercial gardeners, as well as
greenhouses, seed companies offering the irrigation equipment, pond liners and thermal
best vegetable seeds, fertilisers – both organic roof structure. Konak Walling showed off pool coverings. The floating pool covers can
and inorganic – and an enormous range of pizza ovens and fire pits and Big Sky Sup- be used in winter so you don’t need to keep
gardening tools and equipment to suit every plies introduced their portable hanging fire adding chemicals or running your pool filter,
need. Or you could take a break for a cup of baskets. Jessica Anderson Designs exhibited and they keep the water warmer for longer,
tea and a slice of cake, or stay and enjoy a garden furniture and decor much of it made raising the water temperature up to 8 de-
delightful alfresco lunch under the trees. It was from recycled materials. Abundant Life Nurs- grees, extending the time that you can enjoy
a great chance to catch up with old friends in a ery created a beautiful exhibition with a water your pool. Henning’s Nursery and Nature’s
relaxed and stress-free environment. feature made up of huge metal pots and Way Landscaping provided amazing creative
inviting outdoor seating spaces. Plant Plan ideas to transform your garden into a little
Among the highlights were the Halsted’s had an exquisite eastern inspired garden with piece of Paradise. Mr Chris Nurseries and Jan
Garden Centre exhibit which incorporated a Thai sculptures and a soothing water feature; Edgar Landscaping won a well deserved Gold
vertical wall of plants and a unique shaded a garden guaranteed to ease your daily stress Award for their exquisite exhibition stand.
and help you relax. Greencon Greenhouse
Supplies had a range of greenhouses for

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38 structure & design | ISSUE 16 73

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41

INTERIOR DESIGN

Plascon Unveils 360° PARTNERSHIP
PLEDGE for Construction Professionals

As part of Plascon Kansai’s global
centenary celebrations, Plascon Zimbabwe
(previously Astra Paints) unveiled their 3600
Partnership Pledge for professionals. The new product
was launched at the luxurious Cresta Lodge in Harare,
where Plascon Zimbabwe gave their second ever
Trend Talk. Their first Trend Talk was held in 2014.

Mr. Ebenezer Gumbo, the Plascon’s General
Manager opened the ceremony, indicating that
the talk on industry trends was worthwhile and
profitable for both private buyers and industry
professionals. The aim of the Trend Talk was to
share insights in colour forecasting with designers,
architects, and contractors for the benefit of the
construction industry at large.

Mr Gumbo also gave a brief overview of Plascon
Zimbabwe’s history – Kansai Plascon South Africa
acquired Astra Paints in July 2013, strengthening
the position of Astra Paints in Zimbabwe. Kansai
Plascon South Africa is a subsidiary of the Kansai
Paint, a Japanese concern that owns up to 51
global paint operations and is the world’s leading
paint supplier. This year, Kansai is celebrating its
centenary year and, as such, has arranged special
events across the world and the Trend Talk hosted
by Plascon Zimbabwe was a part of this initiative.

Over the years, Plascon Zimbabwe has engaged
with the community by offering various
competitions. Their Go Plascon, Go, Astra, Go
Places promotion allowed them to send several
customers to different holiday destinations.
Plascon has also belted out new product lines
including Plascon Inspired Tinting System,

42 structure & design | ISSUE 16

Affordable Two Colour Range and
TradePro, a superior quality acrylic
emulsion paint.

Plascon Zimbabwe has been involved
in many key construction projects,
including the Gweru Megawatt
Shopping Centre, the renovation of the
African Regional Intellectual Property
Organization (ARIPO) headquarters
(this building was featured in Structure
and Design’s second issue) as well as
Hartmann House’s new Early Childhood
Development (ECD) centre and the Joina
City complex.

The event’s guest of honour, Claire Bond,
has been involved in the paint industry
for the past 30 years and has worked on
projects in both South Africa and other
African nations. Her repertoire includes
two hotels in Mombasa, Kenya. She was
involved in the Plascon Spaces Showroom
from 2005 – 2009, a period which saw
Kansai Plascon South Africa receiving
awards for their design work as well as
their exceptional customer services.

Ms. Bond recently studied toward a diploma in Colour Therapeutics
at the Irish School of Colour in Devon and her keynote speech lent
some insights on this subject.

Global communities increasingly share ideas and beliefs but who
really gets to decide which trends are here to stay? Claire Bond
explained, in her speech, that skilled forecasters look at all sorts of
events that affect everyday life. Ranging from sports and travel to
theatre and fashion. Analysts then track consumer behaviour (any
acceptance or rejection of a movement) to forecast whether a style
will be a short-lived fad or a macro trend that is taken up by more
people for a longer space of time.

Key insights are then shared with industry professionals. Ms. Bond
emphasised the role of factors such as culture and climate in
shaping trends, highlighting that African tastes can be different to
European ones and vice versa. In the past, European styles had a
greater influence on Africa but it seems that nowadays, the West is
looking to Africa more and more for inspiration in handmade crafts.

43

INTERIOR DESIGN

In a fast-paced world where one is constantly
bogged down by noise pollution and digital
stimuli, a color like grey which has no energy
is soothing and therefore the current colour
of choice as it revitalises the brain. This is
why one of the colours forecasted to trend for
the next 10 to 15 years is the 50 Shades of
Grey & Charcoal Range.

The “grey” trend first appeared in the 1950s
during the post World War II period when
many people sought calming environments
to distract them from the recent devastation
of the war. This minimalistic style is making a
comeback, however, fresh colours can be used
to accentuate the grey and break the monotony.
Ms. Bond also stressed that it is important to
remember that some greys in Plascon’s 50
Shades range have undertones of other colours
and this tends to make a room cooler or warmer
depending on the colour used.

In the words of the veteran designer, Ilse
Crawford, a design should be about both
interrogation and empathy, asking what each
aspect of a living space is for and how to use
it to make life easier for the people who use
it. The same applies to paint, as the colour
of a built environment or living area can
enhance the positive feeling of an area or
have quite the opposite effect.

At the Plascon Trend Talk, Claire Bond patients. It is also known that exposure natural However, the main product revealed at the
shared a lot about Colour Therapeutics and light helps people with their sleep cycles. event was Plascon’s new 360° Partnership
its applications, explaining that our brains Pledge. The Partnership Pledge includes
decode different wavelengths of light along Such knowledge allows professionals to efficient support services that allow
the electromagnetic spectrum in different utilise colour to improve the health and contractors and consultants to get the
ways and that each colour has negatives livelihood of people who use the painted best out of Plascon’s services, allowing the
and positives. Whilst red is a bold colour, it buildings for commercial or residential use. client to concentrate on their business.
also increases the heart rate and would be Because colour can have such a profound
absolutely wrong to use in a hospital ward effect on people’s health and moods, she Plascon Zimbabwe’s technical manager,
for instance but colour turquoise, on the reminded listeners that paint “is not just Fungai Patikai explained that the 360°
other hand, has been known to calm cancer about resources but about kindness too.” Partnership Pledge also involves product

44 structure & design | ISSUE 16

guarantees of up to 15 years as Plascon site inspections with all the contractors and
believes in their product. Each paint product consultants involved take place before the
is designed for a specific project build – building is signed off and the guarantee is
residential, commercial, mining, industrial given.
or coastal. Every building is assessed
individually, based on the environment of The paint products on guarantee system
the building and the scope of the building’s include:
purpose which is dictated by each client’s • Double Velvet, interior paint (15-year
individual requirements. The specifications guarantee)
produced allow Plascon’s technicians to • Cashmere, stain resistant interior paint
produce tailor-made paints for each job. (15-year guarantee)
• Velvaglo, interior and exterior satin sheen
Colour consultants also weigh in on the finish (12-year guarantee)
colour themes according to the client’s • Kitchen and & bathroom, humid interiors
branding and objectives. Each tailor-made (year guarantee)
paint product comes with recommended film • Micatex, exterior matt finish (12-year
thickness and number of top coats that are guarantee)
specific to each project. • Nuroof Cool, exterior low sheen finish
(12-year guarantee)
In order to secure their 15 year guarantee, • Wall & All, exterior low sheen finish (12-
Plascon is creating a database of preferred year guarantee)
applicators as we speak. Part of Plascon’s
360° Partnership Pledge is guaranteeing The product guarantee for consumers can be
both their paint projects and the registered on the Plascon websites. When the
workmanship of applicators. To qualify, each buyer registers a purchase of a paint product
painter/applicator must have worked on at with the correct primer and top coats, they
least three supervised projects. Interested are eligible to claim up to $2000 on their
applicators are encouraged to contact guarantee. For the entire 360° partnership
Plascon for further assistance. Mr. Gumbo pledge, however, it is necessary to work with
assured the members of the audience that Plascon technicians to obtain the reference
the database would be made available to point and engage applicators on Plascon’s
contractors. database.

Part of the initial assessment for paint Although Plascon has upgraded their paint
projects will involve sampling a reference products to keep in line with global trends,
area as a benchmark for the project. their Essential Colours List has stood the test
Environmental variables taken include of time. In keeping with being health friendly,
moisture, content, surface preparation, and Plascon is also moving to make more of their
temperature. This reference assessment products water based as many people react
allows Plascon to troubleshoot effectively. badly to the solvent-based paints. Brochures
Plascon also undertakes to conduct site visits will be made available for architects in addition
as part of their joint supervision programme. to a library of specifications and technical
These site visits will be used to assess paint data. All in all, the event was a success and
progress and comprehensive progress reports Plascon’s 360° Partnership Pledge is set to
will be compiled for the client’s benefit. Final take the construction industry by storm.

45

BECAUSE WE With 88 years of medical aid service experience
TTWIYLUWNOOHONEHANHUDBATNEGAETETLRKOETOIPTSERHITNLLMEPADIGRVNEREIEADERDSNETS, behind us, we know a thing or two about staying
alive. That is why we pride ourselves in what we
offer our pensioners, and older members.
Call us today and experience the joys of age,
Makatirera, Tokureraiwo, Lasigcina, Seiligcina

A product of PSMAS PSMAS Zimbabwe SHIELD PLAN

46 structure & design | ISSUE 16

PSMAS UPDATES THEIR
SERVICE CENTRE AND
CORPORATE IMAGE text by Michael Nott | photos by S&D

PSMAS (Premier Service Medical Aid The refurbishment of their headquarters central desk is deep blue – the colour taken
Society) has over the last two years has been undertaken in several phases. The from the PSMAS logo – with ultra modern
embarked on a major turnaround first, and probably the most important, stage perforated aluminium sheeting, laser cut
programme. PSMAS was founded way back was the restructuring of the way services are aluminium lettering and a 12mm toughened
in 1930 and is the oldest Medical Aid Society provided for their members. Previously various glass top. The new design also incorporated
in the country. Sadly in recent years they departments were scattered around on closing in the first floor curved balcony with
have been struggling to provide adequate different floors and members would be forced glass panels to add extra floor space. The
services for their membership and some to traipse around all over the building. PSMAS Service Centre was opened out to the first floor
health practitioners were reluctant to treat engaged local company Metamorphosis atrium to provide a pleasant outdoor overflow
patients when they presented their PSMAS AIDPM (Architectural Interior Design and waiting area. The floor was tiled with white non-
cards. The company was struggling under Project Management) to create a new well slip tiles with black tile detail strips following
huge historical debt, massive inflation rates co-ordinated, one stop Service Centre which the shape of the desk and subtly suggesting
for drugs, stagnant membership numbers and would be much more convenient. PSMAS’s the circular pedestrian traffic flow. Circular
a host of other problems. However, under the brief to Metamorphosis was to create a bright, bulkheads with downlighters and concealed
leadership of Eng. Tendai Kapumha (Managing modern and airy space which was immediately red strip lights reinforce the circular flow.
Director) the organisation has undergone a appealing and attractive on approach from There’s ample seating both inside and outside
huge restructuring programme and is well on the lift or the staircase. To achieve this the in the atrium as well as a series of comfortable
the way to recovering its former glory. Not only solid wall separating the lift foyer from the interview booths off to one side.
has the organisational structure been shaken new Service Centre was
up and improved they have also improved their replaced with modern
own facilities for the benefit of their clients. glass and aluminium
partitioning and a
Their headquarters on George Silundika wider doorway, and the
Avenue (between Third and Simon Muzenda) structural gap overlooking
was officially opened in 1998. The building the reception was similarly
still looks quite modern from the outside, with glassed in.
exposed steel structures, curved balconies, a
geometric A-framed portico over the entrance A circular central Client
and a tiled blue and white facade, but the Services desk was
interior needed major refurbishment to installed, so members
accommodate the new streamlined and more can work their way around
efficient business model. the different services. The

47

COMMERCIAL PROFILE

The Service Centre was inaugurated in 2016
and encompasses four main departments:
Membership Registration, Payments,
Authorisation and Queries all located in the
west wing of the first floor.

The second phase of the refurbishments,
completed in 2017, included the Service
Centre extension or interview area situated in
the east wing of the first floor, and the ground
floor reception area. The extension provides
more private booths where members can
discuss their health issues with PSMAS staff.
The ground floor entrance and reception was
extensively redesigned by Metamorphosis
to be more practical as well as being more
attractive and promoting a positive brand
image. The entrance facade was completely
restructured and the interior space enlarged.
The old facade was a sort of horizontal V
shape with two entrances set at 90 degrees
to each other – one for staff and one for
members. Metamorphosis extended the
interior space by creating a single flat glass
and aluminium wall situated at the outermost
point of the V shape. The additional space
created has been used to provide seating
space for the public. The front glass panels
have been fitted with welcoming graphic
images printed onto perforated vinyl or Contra
Vision. The vinyl appears solid from the
exterior but it’s see-through from inside and
allows light in to the reception. There are still
two separate entrances but it’s now much
more inviting for the public. Metamorphosis
designed a curved reception desk which
echoes the upstairs Service Centre desk. The
reception desk is bright red (the colour also
taken from the PSMAS logo) and similarly clad
with perforated aluminium and it also has a
12 mm glass counter top. The original black

and grey granite panelling on the walls has been retained but
Metamorphosis has installed a backdrop behind the desk
made up of plasterboard painted in a mustard yellow central
panel with deep blue pillars on either side. The overall effect
is bright, cheerful and funky while still maintaining a smart
and serious corporate image. Again, curved bulkheads with
recessed downlighters suggest the way pedestrian traffic
should flow towards the stairs and the elevator.

48 structure & design | ISSUE 16

Phase three of the refurbishments included the new 24 hour call
centre located on the second floor, an innovation in line with PSMAS’s
modernisation programme. It’s geared towards providing the best
and most convenient service for members at all times. Although the
facilities are complete the Call Centre will only be operational later this
year once all the necessary equipment has been fully installed. Phase
four, which is currently under construction, will be a training centre for
staff which will include a small library, and a kitchen and dining area.
Metamorphosis has achieved these remarkable improvements

49

COMMERCIAL PROFILE

often working under difficult conditions. The
premises were still fully operational during
the renovations meaning that generally only
light work could be done during business
hours with much of the work done at night
or over the weekends. In addition foreign
currency restrictions made the importation of
imported materials more difficult.

Other recent successful projects undertaken
by Metamorphosis include Steward Bank
Masvingo Branch, National Aids Council
Head Office, Steward Bank Platinum Branch
Bradfield Bulawayo, Steward Bank Joina
City Branch, and ZPC Hwange Guest House
Extension, among others.

PSMAS has also introduced a brand new
Wellness Corner which offers free advice on
healthy lifestyle modification, nutrition, stress
management, exercise. They also provide
information about dealing with chronic
conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes
and managing cholesterol levels.

The recent success of the restructuring of
PSMAS’s corporate organisation and the
improvement to their company image will
ensure that the company will continue to
grow and provide top quality service for their
members.

50 structure & design | ISSUE 16