The 15 Fredman Drive project, recipient of a Highly Commended project award during the 2024 Steel Awards by the South African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC), is a testament to the versatility of steel in building lightweight.
According to Shaun Pearman, Safintraโs specifications representative for Gauteng, KZN and the Eastern Cape, Safintra supplied roofing (0.53 AZ200 Colorplus Seaspray) and cladding (0.53 AZ200 Colorplus Thunderstorm) to the project in profile Saflok 700.
Designed and constructed in line with Green Star SA Office V1.1 requirements, the building incorporates faรงades that allow optimal access to daylight and external views whilst contributing to the occupantโs thermal comfort and improved energy performance.
The building houses the broadcasters of Radio 702 and other operators from the Primedia Group.
Utilising Saflok 700 for sidewall cladding, aided the criterion to โdesign slender, lightweight steel elements that seamlessly integrated with the existing buildingโ.
In order to maximise the floor space for the new tenant some of the floor plates were extended, creating more depth and practical space. Paragon Architects worked closely with the interior designers, Paragon Interface, to right-size the plates and extend them out as per the clientโs requirements.
According to the South African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) on the occasion of the Steel Awards, 2024, 15 Fredman Drive exemplifies the versatile and innovative application of steel in architectural design. The exposed steel structure, including the sawtooth roof, bridges, and staircase, was central to achieving the desired raw, industrial aesthetic.
Lightweight materials for clerestory floor
An additional lofted clerestory floor was added onto the roof using the principles of light-weight steel construction. This included a saw-tooth roof clad with zinc and wall cladding using Saflok 700.
According to the architects, this new floor has created a wonderfully light studio space that brings in plenty of light from the south. The design and materials of the new floor add an industrial aesthetic to the building, which is carried through in the interiors.
Two terraces were also created on the roof. The largest terrace accommodates all the entertainment facilities, with the executive suites also opening up onto the space. The southern terrace acts as the roof of the new entrance, almost seeming to float and cantilever above its glass and steel structure.
The exposed steel elements also contributed to the desired raw, industrial aesthetic, showcasing the material’s expressive potential. Careful detailing and finishing of the steelwork ensured a cohesive, visually striking result that seamlessly integrated the new additions with the existing building. Overall, the strategic application of steel was crucial in transforming the vacant space into a modern, functional workspace that exceeded the client’s vision.
The SAISC Steel Awards interview project team expressed immense pride in the final outcome, with the architect describing it as a “stunning” showcase of the building’s “honesty and authenticity.” The engineer highlighted the “versatile and innovative” use of steel, while the steelwork contractor noted the team’s collaborative effort in overcoming significant challenges to deliver a remarkable transformation.
As far as roofing and cladding is concerned, it is remarkable what can be achieved using Saflok 700. The steel base substrate is commonly Colorplusยฎ AZ 150, AZ200 or in Zincal (uncoated steel sheet) while the profile can be rolled using the specifiers base material of choice. The sheeting is a double interlocking concealed fix Saflok 700ยฎ profile as manufactured by Safintra. Roll-forming is done in continuous lengths from certified G550 steel. The profile shall be roll-formed with 4 ribs and centres not exceeding 233mm and a cover width of 700mm. The male rib is to include spurs to ensure a double interlocking action with adjacent sheets. The minimum rib height will be 41mm. Two stiffening ribs are incorporated in each pan.
Sustainability
It is well researched that the re-use of existing buildings, coupled with upgrades of the building envelope and building services to achieve maximum efficiency, offers the most significant emissions reductions in the categories of climate change, human health, and resource impact. This is exactly the case with 15 Fredman Drive, say the architects. A major refurbishment of the existing building was undertaken to leverage its condition and location in achieving desired financial, environmental, and social outcomes.
Project team
Architect: Paragon Architects
Main Contractor: WBHO Construction
Steelwork Contractor: Ferro Eleganza
Structural Engineer: Sotiralis Consulting Engineers
Steel Detailer: CND Structural Services
Cladding Manufacturer: Rheinzink
Cladding Roll Former: Rheinzink
Zinc cladding contractor: Rhode Roofing
Al/Zn Cladding/Roofing Supplier: Safintra South Africa
Al/Zn Cladding/Roofing Contractor: Chartwell Roofing
Steel roofing supplier: Safal Steel
Site photography by Sarah de Pina
